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