Overview

Epipactis gigantea is a orchid in the genus Epipactis, part of the Orchid family. Epipactis gigantea grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include water gardens, naturalized areas and wet meadows. It is native to Canada to Mexico.

About

Epipactis gigantea is an orchid that favours moist to wet soils and produces summer flowers with a mild, sweet fragrance. It occurs naturally from Canada to Mexico and suits damp margins and meadows. Plants tolerate partial shade to full sun and prefer neutral to slightly acidic sandy or loamy soils kept moist. Flowering runs July to August in the UK.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epipactis gigantea

About the genus

Epipactis, or helleborine, is a genus of terrestrial orchids consisting of approximately 70 species. This genus is abbreviated as Epcts in horticultural trade.

Wikipedia contributors, "Epipactis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epipactis

In the garden

Epipactis gigantea is a terrestrial orchid from Canada south to Mexico that succeeds where soil remains consistently damp. In its native range it occupies riverbanks and wet meadows; in cultivation the same conditions are easiest to replicate at pond edges or in a deliberately wet border. Flowering takes place July to August and the blooms carry a mild, sweet scent that is noticeable on warm days. Position in partial shade or full sun depending on local exposure, but avoid open, drying sites; north, east or west aspects are all suitable. The species prefers moist to wet, well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Provide a sheltered to moderate exposure, which reduces stress on the shoots and helps retain soil moisture through summer. Use for water-garden margins, naturalised beds and wet meadows where other moisture-loving perennials are grown. Plant into soil that will not dry out and allow roots to remain cool and damp rather than waterlogged. Locate clumps where the flowering stems will rise just above the wet ground so the mild scent and summer blooms are easily seen and enjoyed in July–August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Epipactis

Sunlight

partial shade, full sun

Soil type

moist, well-drained, sandy or loamy

Soil pH

neutral to slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist to wet

Aspect

north, east, west

Exposure

sheltered to moderate

Plant details

Epipactis gigantea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Orchid

Suggested uses

water gardens, naturalized areas, wet meadows

Native to

Canada to Mexico

Fragrance

mild, sweet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Epipactis gigantea

Cultivation

Prefers moist habitats; plant in shaded or partially shaded areas near water; avoid dry conditions

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering

Propagation

division, seed

Frequently asked questions