GYMNADENIA CONOPSEA
E: Fragrant Orchid
F: Gymnadenia moucheron
G: Muecken-Haendelwurz

A big, colorful orchid which can compete with the Dactylorhiza species. Like them it has forked bulbs, but it grows on dry places with lime in the underground.

It has big, pink blossoms which smell intensely, they attract various day and night butterflies.

Although this plant can grow in the nature in moist places, it dislikes them in the orchid garden. I have made bad experiences with this species. According to the experts, it is a very adaptable plant which can be placed in sunny or slightly shaded beds.