How to Grow and Care for Gymnadenia

Widely distributed across Europe, fragrant orchid attracts a range of moths with its heavy, clove-like scent. Hawk-moth, hummingbird hawk-moth, silver Y, burnished brass and large yellow underwing all pollinate the plant. The color of flowers varies from pink to purple, and rarely white.

This plant was given its common name Chocolate orchid due to its iconic bloom colour, a dark purple verging on brown. Chocolate orchid is a particularly scarce orchid species that typically grows in grassland areas and mountain meadows. Interestingly, chocolate orchid is the provincial flower of the Norwegian county of Jämtland.

Short-spurred fragrant orchid produces fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Its spindly stems, multiple narrow basal leaves, and tall-growing height (up to 50 cm) set the orchid apart from other plants in the genus.

Gymnadenia corneliana is a delicate orchid with slender stems and tightly clustered pink to purplish blossoms. It flourishes in alpine meadows, where its tuberous roots equip it for survival in well-drained, calcareous soils. The plant's lance-shaped leaves taper gently, forming an elegant rosette at the base. Gymnadenia corneliana's fragrant flowers feature a pronounced spur, attracting pollinators and ensuring its continued existence amidst mountain flora.

With a slender stature, dark vanilla orchid stands out in alpine meadows through its vibrant pink to purplish, densely clustered flowers atop a leafy stem. This orchid's leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, embracing the base, a subtle adaptation for limited nutrients in high-altitude soils. Its fragrant blooms not only attract pollinators but also passionate admirers of its delicate beauty.