Epipactis 'Catalina'

Giant Helleborine Orchidaceae

A wonderfully exotic-looking orchid that is considerably tougher than its appearance suggests. Epipactis ‘Catalina’ is a primary hybrid of E. gigantea × E. royleana, originated by P. Stein in 2000 and registered by Lowland-Biotech. It combines the bold, North American E. gigantea with the Asian E. royleana, producing a particularly handsome and garden-worthy hybrid. 

From mid-spring, upright stems carry lance-shaped, deeply furrowed foliage before producing terminal spikes of around 15 pink, red-brown and yellow-marked flowers in summer. The blooms have the intricate, slightly alien appearance typical of Epipactis—proof that terrestrial orchids need not be delicate prima donnas. 

Best grown in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, although it can tolerate more sun provided the roots remain cool and moist. It dies back completely in winter and reappears reliably in spring, so mark its whereabouts before reaching for the autumn tidy-up. A superb woodland or bog-garden orchid.

Height: 30–35cm | Spread: 30–35cm
Flowering: June–July | Foliage: Deciduous
Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C)