About
Epipactis palustris, the marsh helleborine, is a rhizomatous, terrestrial orchid of wet marshes, fens and dune slacks, producing leafy stems to 60 cm and loose racemes of flowers with white, pink-tinged outer petals and a white, frilled, pink-veined lip. A rewarding and attractive terrestrial orchid for a moist, sunny or partly shaded position.
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.
Plant details
Suggested usesIndoor display, conservatories, sheltered positions.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in specialist orchid compost. Provide bright, indirect light.
PruningRemove spent flower spikes. Repot when crowded.
PropagationDivide when repotting or grow from backbulbs.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.