Marsh helleborine
Epipactis palustris · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant marsh helleborine: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Europe, temperate humid regions
- Natural habitat
- Marshes, peatlands, wetlands
Care
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist, even waterlogged, particularly during growth. Marsh Epipactis refuses dry conditions and requires high humidity. In cultivation, mimic the natural water cycles of peatlands with regular watering.
Light exposure
Prefer a semi-shaded to shaded location, sheltered from direct scorching sun. In its natural habitat, it grows beneath layers of vegetation. Soft lighting encourages more generous flowering.
Soil composition
Require a substrate rich in peat or organic matter, very acidic and well-draining despite moisture. A mix of blonde peat, sphagnum, and pumice works perfectly. Avoid chalky or compacted soils.
Fertilisation
Apply diluted orchid or peatland plant fertiliser during the growing season (May to August), once a month. Reduce or stop applications in autumn and winter to respect dormancy.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to prolong flowering. In late autumn, clean away dried foliage. Leave the rhizomes in place; they naturally restart in spring.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot if humidity is excessive and ventilation insufficient. Slugs and snails can damage young shoots. Good drainage combined with moderate ventilation prevents most problems.
Did you know?
Marsh Epipactis is a fascinating terrestrial orchid capable of modifying the pH of its root micro-environment to better absorb nutrients from poor peatland soils. Its flowers, discreet and delicately fragrant, attract specific pollinating insects and produce thousands of tiny seeds dispersed by wind. This species is declining in Western Europe due to wetland drainage, hence its protected plant status in several regions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese ground orchidBletilla striata
- Moth orchidPhalaenopsis amabilis
- Spotted orchidDactylorhiza maculata
- Lesser twaybladeNeottia ovata
- Broad-leaved helleborineEpipactis helleborine
- Western Marsh-orchidDactylorhiza majalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.