D. maculata is one of the most common orchids at all in Europe. It's a tall orchid with many leaves and light pink blossoms. The leaves have many black dots on them.

It is one of the most variable orchids with many subspecies and occasional hybrids with other species. Besides the subspecies ssp. maculata, you will find the subspecies ssp. ericetorum in north Europe, ssp. saccifera in south Europe and ssp. fuchsii which grows frequently together with the typical species.

D. maculata is perhaps one of the best beginner's species for the garden culture. It grows on lime, neutral or slightly acidic soil, even in normal garden soil. It likes a half-shaded place, perhaps near some bushes. D. maculata produces countless seeds and chances are good that after three or four years, new plants will sprout everywhere in the garden.