Epipactis helleborine (Broad Leaved Helleborine)

Epipactis helleborine (Broad Leaved Helleborine) is a rhizomatous, terrestrial orchid with ravishing spikes of up to 50 small flowers presenting a variable combination of pink and green shades. Blooming in mid to late summer, they are borne on stems that can reach 36 in. (90 cm). The plant produces 3-10 leaves on its stem, which is covered with fine hairs. The dull green leaves are relatively broad, oval and prominently veined. Approximately two months after flowering, the foliage fades, then disappear completely with the arrival of winter. Highly vigorous, Broad Leaved Helleborine will quickly form large colonies over time. It grows so aggressively in some areas that it is considered a weed. Widespread across much of Europe and Asia, Broad Leaved Helleborine grows naturally in forests, swamps, and riverbeds as well as disturbed habitats such as lawns, sidewalks, gardens, and roadsides. In its native Europe, it is pollinated primarily by wasps.

• Grows up to 8-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
• Performs best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, alkaline to slightly acid soil in full or partial shade.
• A lovely addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, underplanting of shrubs and roses.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
• Propagate by division in spring, ensuring each piece of rhizome has at least one growing point.
• Epipactis helleborine is widespread across much of Europe and Asia, from Portugal to China, as well as northern Africa.