Dactylorhiza maculata is a hardy ground orchid native to parts of Europe. This beautiful herbaceous perennial is slowly multiplying. Now in its third year, each of the two plants has multiple shoots. It is hoped some day that they will seed in, but the soil here is quite free draining, so we aren't sure if it will occur. Flowering occurs in late June into July. The flowers are mauvy-purple and delicate. For us the foliage is the most important, as it looks good from the time it emerges until the time it dies down. Slowly, several specialty nurseries are beginning to carry Dactylorhiza for sale in the United States.