Epipactis gigantea

diana chapman rarebulbs@earthlink.net
Thu, 17 Jul 2003 11:35:05 PDT
Hi Jim:

The populations I have seen in the wild grow on the edges of seasonal
streams, or in seeps.  They are usually lightly shaded, but I have also seen
it growing in full sun in quite dry conditions. In wet conditions, it is
usually on banks, so although it is wet it is also well drained.  I haven't
ever seen it in low wet spots.  I think, though, it prefers some shade and
moisture.  I grow it in large pots in a very humusy mix, but I think it's
quite adaptable.  Since it emerges in spring (not winter, like other CA
natives), and it can also grow at elevations of up to 2600 meters (according
to Jepson), I imagine it is quite hardy, probably to zone 5 or 6 (maybe even
lower).  Anyway, it can definitely take freezing, and is worth a try for
those in the states that have real winters.  If you grow it in pots, you
need to repot virtually every year or it ends up all around the edge of the
pot.  Propagation is by division of the rhizome.

Diana

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Waddick" <jwaddick@kc.rr.com>
To: "diana chapman" <rarebulbs@earthlink.net>; "Pacific Bulb Society"
<pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 9:43 AM
Subject: Re: [pbs] Epipactis gigantea


> >Hi Mary Sue
> >
> >Epipactis gigantea is one of those rarities in the orchid world - it is
so
> >easy to grow anyone can do it! ...  I grow it in large pots,... but
> >really does better in the ground.
>
> Dear Mary Sue, Diana et al;
> Any experience growing in colder climates in the ground? Sun or shade?
>
> Growing tips?
>
> Best Jim W.
> --
> Dr. James W. Waddick
> 8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
> Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
> USA
> Ph.    816-746-1949
> E-fax  419-781-8594
>
> Zone 5 Record low -23F
> Summer 100F +
>



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