Epipactis gigantea

This plant explodes the myth that terrestrial orchids are difficult to cultivate. An ideal first orchid for those looking for something that little bit different.

Description

A terrestrial orchid growing to about 20 - 60 cms in height. The leaves, six or so per stem, are a glossy green. The flowers are approximately 3 cms across - the lip being deep red with white edging and the two upper petals tinted pink. As with many orchids there can be significant variation between individual plants. The flower spike is produced between June and July.

Cultivation

Being a native of damp grassland in the USA, Epipactis gigantea is happiest in damp soil in full sun where, after settling, it will quickly form a strong clump that will gradually spread.

I also grow this species very successfully in 3 - 5 litre plastic pots containing a John Innes No.2 compost. This is particularly useful to bulk up the plant and after two seasons the plant is normally ready to divide and plant out into a suitable site in the garden.