In very wet meadows with lime in the soil, sometimes this tall orchid can be found. It has pink or reddish blossoms and long, iris-like leaves, usually without any dots on them.

But this is a very variable plant. Besides the typical subspecies, D. incarnata ssp. incarnata, there are the subspecies cruenta, ochroleuca and the ruby-red ssp. coccinea which grows on the British isles.

Like the most Dactylorhiza species, it can be transplanted easily and adorns the edge of a pond in the orchid garden. It survives even occasional floodings, but in the winter rest when the leaves are gone, the plant should stand a little dryer.

I have owned one of these plants for many years. If it feels well, it can reach a very impressive size.