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Herbaceous Perennial

Epipactis gigantea

giant helleborine

A herbaceous perennial, up to 60cm tall, with mid-green, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, loose spikes of up to 15 yellow-brown, green and pink flowers with red veins can appear, each flower up to 3cm across

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green Brown Pink Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Canada to Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich, leafy soil in part shade. Ideal for a rock or woodland garden or in a wildflower meadow

Propagation

Division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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