Bumblebee Orchid
Ophrys bombyliflora
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Pl. C7E5 — Ophrys bombyliflora
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IOverview
Overview
The Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora) is a striking perennial found in the wild across Europe and into the Middle East. Known for its distinctive appearance that mimics bumblebees to attract pollinators, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade. Native to Albania, Austria, Belgium, and other regions, it can also be cultivated as an edible plant, with its roots being the part used. This orchid grows up to 30 cm tall and is hardy in zones 7-10, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural settings where it can flourish under full sun to partial shade conditions.
Quick answers
What is Bumblebee Orchid?
The Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora) is a striking perennial found in the wild across Europe and into the Middle East. Known for its distinctive appearance that mimics bumblebees to attract pollinators, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Bumblebee Orchid thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 7-10 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. This perennial grows to about 30 cm tall and can be propagated through its edible root. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining soil for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bumblebee Orchid for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and forgiving approach to growing Bumblebee Orchid, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A pot or garden bed, well-draining soil, and a Bumblebee Orchid plant.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, sandy to clay soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or divide an existing plant in spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place it in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light: full sun to partial shade. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers and leaves after blooming to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using heavy soil, neglecting to fertilize, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Bumblebee Orchid's root is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by either boiling or steaming to enhance its flavor and texture. Skip the detailed recipe; focus on these simple preparation methods for incorporating this unique ingredient into your dishes.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPortugalRomaniaSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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