Epipactis
Helleborine
- Height × spread
- 0.4m – 0.4m × 0.3m – 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are both tropical and hardy forms of orchid within this family. A number of these grow wild within Great Britain. Some of them are found in marshy places as well as in dryer positions. They have long arching leaves, sometimes with longitudinal ribbing. The flowers are held on erect spikes and have showy lower lips. The Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris) is a showy form that is found in wet places, mostly in the southern half of the UK and most of Ireland. Epipactis gigantea, reaching up to 90cm in height is an American form with noticeable greenish yellow flowers. The hardy forms can be grown in gardens in positions with plenty of moisture but which drain freely, and in positions with some shade.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.4m – 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide when too large for pot
Orchids that are too large for their pots can be divided. Cut through the rhizome and root ball if necessary. Treat cuts with sulphur powder, repot the plant and stake it to ensure it is not going to move in its pot.
You can remove offsets and bulbils etc. at this time, but leave some pseudo bulbs and put bulbs back in place. Look for specialist literature if you wish to get the very best from your orchid.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.