The biggest european Orchid is a very colorful species, too. A group of O. purpurea plants, which can grow one meter high, is an impressive view, to say the least.

The buds and outer petals are purple-brown and the lip is white, sometimes with a little pink or violet.

Orchis purpurea grows on similar places like Orchis militaris, but it likes a little more shade. Often it grows at the edge of forests or under bushes.

Garden culture of this beautiful orchid is possible in a lime bed, which lies not in the full sun.