Description

The Epipactis palustris, also known as the Marsh Helleborine Orchid, is a stunning perennial herbaceous plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Spreading by rhizomes, this orchid thrives in damp, marshy conditions, making it a perfect addition to water gardens, ponds, or wetland areas. Known for its unique flower arrangement, the flowers are approximately 17 mm across and are displayed in a one-sided raceme for a delicate, cascading effect.

In the typical form, the sepals are a rich deep pink or purplish-red, while the upper petals are shorter and lighter in color. The labellum, which is at least as long as the sepals, is strikingly white with red or yellow spots in the center, adding an intriguing contrast to the blooms. After flowering, the plant produces a many-ribbed capsule containing numerous tiny seeds, continuing its cycle of life and growth.

Features:

• Elegant perennial orchid with flowers 17 mm across, arranged in a one-sided raceme
• Deep pink or purplish-red sepals with shorter, paler upper petals
• White labellum with red or yellow spots, providing a unique color contrast
• Spreads by rhizomes and thrives in moist, marshy environments
• Ideal for water gardens, wetlands, or shaded areas with damp soil

Add the Epipactis palustris to your garden for a rare and beautiful orchid that will thrive in wet conditions and offer a stunning display of delicate, two-tone flowers in your water garden or shaded marshy space.

Repotting or planting

Bare Root and 9cm marginal plants require potting into a larger mesh basket. Place in a pond no deeper than 1/3 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish. 1ltr marginal plants do not require repotting immediately, place in the pond no deeper than 1/2 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish, plants over 60cm height growth will benefit from repotting into a larger mesh basket or should be planted in gravel to prevent them from falling over. Larger plants in 3ltr and 5ltr pots do not require repotting for many years as they are larger more established plants can be placed up to the maximum recommended depth. There is no need to remove the mesh basket.

Care instructions

Little maintenance is required. Trim just above the water surface after foliage has died back in Autumn to tidy leaving a little material to protect new shoots or trim in spring when actively growing

Colour

Pink

Growth rate

Slow

Flowers

May-June

Sun/shade

Full sun to part shade

Season

Spring

Measurements in centimetres

Height Min -Max

60

Depth Min-Max

0-5