Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine) - garden orchid

Epipactis palustris is probably one of the most stunning garden orchids, looking like a miniature Cymbidium orchid.

The reddish stem grows up to about 50 cm, with wide leaves, oval at the base, with increasingly narrow leaves, arranged spirally up the stem. The spike of free flowers consists of up to 20 fairly large flowers, with white and yellow petals and pink-brown sepals. Flowering normally takes place from the end of June to the middle of August.

It grows best in alkaline or neutral, well-drained soils. It is recommended to place it in a partially shaded area. It withstands in the garden, up to temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius.