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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H5Botanical 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
None required
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
Generally trouble free
Get involved
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