All flowers
Giant Orchid Wikimedia Commons
Orchidaceae

Giant Orchid

Himantoglossum robertianum

Luxury and rare beauty.

Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Himantoglossum
Native to
Mediterranean region
Bloom season
Late Winter, Early Spring
Type
Perennial
Height
20-80 cm
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Calcareous, well-draining
Water
Low
Hardiness
8-10
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • It is one of the earliest orchids to bloom in Europe, sometimes flowering as early as January.
  • The flowers have a strong, somewhat unpleasant smell that attracts pollinating insects.
  • Each flower has a long lip that resembles a tiny human figure with outstretched arms and legs.
  • Like many European orchids, it relies on specific soil fungi for germination and early growth.
  • The dense flower spike can carry up to 50 individual flowers on a single stalk.

Color meanings

0

Refinement

1

Rare beauty

2

Thoughtfulness

Uses

  • Botanical study
  • Native orchid gardens
  • Conservation