Gymnadenia odoratissima

Also known as: The Scented Gymnadenia or Satyrium odoratissimum Orchis erubescens Orchis pyrenaica Gymnadenia odoratissima var. ecalcarata Gymnadenia heteroglossa Gymnadenia odoratissima ssp. longicalcarata Gymnadenia suaveolens Gymnadenia odoratissima var. idea Gymnadenia odoratissima lusus alba Gymnadenia odoratissima var. borealis Gymnadenia odoratissima f. borealis Gymnadenia odoratissima var. carpathica Gymnadenia odoratissima var. pyrenaica Gymnadenia odoratissima f. stenostachya Gymnadenia pyrenaica Gymnadenia odoratissima var. suaveolens Gymnadenia odoratissima var. stenostachya Gymnadenia rhodopea Gymnadenia odoratissima f. carpathica Gymnadenia odoratissima var. heteroglossa Gymnadenia conopsea var. pyrenaica Gymnadenia conopsea ssp. pyrenaica The Short Spurred Fragrant Orchid in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Austria Belarus Belgium France Germany Hungary Italy Poland Romania Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine

General Information

The Scented Gymnadenia is a small to medium sized cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Austria, Belarus, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.