Overview
Epipactis palustris is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Epipactis, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Epipactis palustris grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden.
About
Epipactis palustris, commonly known as marsh helleborine or caldrist y gors, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial orchid from the genus Epipactis. This terrestrial orchid features deciduous foliage with leaves arranged along the stem, and flowers with upper petals that curve inward like a helmet and a cup-shaped lower lip. It thrives in partial shade with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH, ideally in a sheltered, north-, east-, or west-facing aspect. Suitable for woodland gardens, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and flowers in spring and summer.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epipactis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Epipactis palustris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Woodland garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Epipactis palustris
- Propagation
- Seed, division in spring, root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Epipactis palustris?
Epipactis palustris prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Epipactis palustris need?
Epipactis palustris grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Epipactis palustris hardy in the UK?
Epipactis palustris has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Epipactis palustris?
Seed, division in spring, root cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Epipactis genus
- Epipactis atrorubensdark red helleborine
- Epipactis giganteagiant helleborine
- Epipactis helleborinebroad-leaved helleborine
