About
A rhizomatous, terrestrial orchid with relatively broad, oval, prominently veined leaves. The flowers, produced in spikes up to 80cm tall, have a variable combination of pink and green shades and appear in mid- to late summer.
About the genus
Epipactis are rhizomatous, terrestrial orchids, bearing leaves spirally or in two ranks on the stem, without a basal rosette. The flowers have incurved upper petals, forming a helmet and the lower lip is curved into a cup shape
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toNW Africa Europe to China
Care notes
CultivationBest in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, alkaline to slightly acid soil in full or partial shade
PruningNo pruining required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, ensuring each piece of rhizome has at least one growing point
Pest resistanceSusceptible to damage by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free