Epipactis palustris
marsh orchid
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- Standard £5.95
This pond plant dies right back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Depth of water: 0-10cm (0-4in)
- Soil type: reliably moist or boggy soil, or aquatic compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
With sharp-pointed leaves enveloping the stem and delicate bracts among its vibrant blooms, Epipactis palustris stands out with its strikingly coloured flowers, ranging from brownish-purple to creamy-green hues. Adorned with deep pink or purplish-red sepals and paler upper petals, the blooms showcase intricate detailing with dark purple-to-red veining along the lip's base and frilly outer edges. Widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful and hardy wild orchids, it thrives in boggy areas, wetlands, and pond margins.
If using as a boggy/marginal aquatic, plant out in reliably moist or boggy soil, or pot up into a pond basket and place at the margins of a pond at a depth of 0-10cm (0-4in). This plant thrives in habitats which are usually submerged with water during the winter and maintain high levels of moisture during the summer. Prefers alkaline (chalky) soils and water conditions.