Water
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture during the active growing period, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Heath Fragrant-Orchid · Northern Gymnadenia
Gymnadenia borealis, the Heath Fragrant Orchid, is a terrestrial orchid native to northern Europe, noted for its sweet scent and delicate pink flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect from intense afternoon sun.
70% intensity
Morning sun is ideal.
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, but allow slight drying between waterings. Reduce significantly during dormancy.
60% intensity
Requires well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or peat-based mixes are suitable.
50% intensity
Grows best in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 15-20°C during the day.
60% intensity
Can tolerate cooler nights.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed sparingly with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization.
20% intensity
Use a fertilizer formulated for orchids or low-nitrogen options.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture during the active growing period, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant.
No significant pruning is typically required. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed formation and direct energy into the plant's root system for future growth.
Propagation is primarily done through division of tubers during the dormant season. Seed propagation is complex and requires specific symbiotic fungal associations, making it impractical for most growers.
Repotting is generally only necessary when the plant outgrows its container or the soil becomes depleted, typically every 2-3 years. Repot in late autumn or early spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis)
Where Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Gymnadenia |
| Species | Gymnadenia borealis |
Similar in genus Gymnadenia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data