Species Orchid, Tongue Orchid, Tongue Serapias

A tuberous terrestrial orchid from Southern Europe, especially the Mediterranean regions.

Has lance shaped, deep green, al...Read Moremost glossy leaves. Bears deep reddish brown or pinkish mauve flowers that have a distinct arrangement. The upper petals and sepals are fused to form a helmet (galea) and the lip is long and broad, giving the impression that it's poking it's tongue out at you.

Flowers March - May

Loves a moist but well-drained soil in light shade during the hottest part of the day. It isn't fully frost hardy and will need to be given winter protection in regions where frost is expected. Ours grows in a pot and is brought into a cool greenhouse for the winter.

A fairly easy terrestiral orchid to grow as long as it's kept well watered and frost protection.

Slugs and snails are the bane of these orchids.