About
Epipactis gigantea, the giant helleborine, is a rhizomatous, terrestrial orchid to 60 cm tall with mid-green, tapering, clasping leaves. Loose, tall spikes of up to 15 yellow-brown, green and pink flowers with red veins are produced in summer, each to 3 cm across. A rewarding native North American terrestrial orchid for a moist, partly shaded border.
About the genus
Epipactis, the helleborines, are rhizomatous, terrestrial orchids producing leafy stems with leaves spirally arranged or in two ranks, and loose racemes of flowers with incurved upper petals forming a helmet and a cup-shaped lower lip. They grow in woodland, grassland and wetland habitats.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toCanada to Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich, leafy soil in part shade. Ideal for a rock or woodland garden or in a wildflower meadow
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationDivision in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free