In some books, this species is mentioned under a newer name, Ophrys holoserica.

This may be the middle european species with the biggest and most colorful blossoms. It is very variable and has many south european subspecies.

Besides the typical ssp. fuciflora, there are ssp. apulica, ssp. polinensis and ssp. oxyrrhynchos. These species are very susceptible for frost and may be cultivated in a cool greenhouse.

Same is valid for the many other south european species, like the yellow O. lutea, the brown O. fusca, the beautiful O. speculum with a blue "mirror" on it, the "horseshoe" orchid, Ophrys ferrum-equineum, O. bombyliflora and many others. Consider them expert plants.

The typical Ophrys fuciflora of middle european origin can be cultivated in areas with mild winters like described under O. apifera, but it is a little more intolerant for culture errors.