Fly Orchid

Ophrys insectifera

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Orchidaceae
Genus:
Ophrys
Species:
Ophrys insectifera
USDA Symbol:
OPIN2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
purple, green, brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
solitary bees, wasps
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
calcareous, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations with low competition

Propagation & Germination

Notes:
Requires mycorrhizal symbiosis for germination; seeds are dust-like and rarely germinate without fungal partner in cultivation.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI