Red-helleborine
Cephalanthera rubra
Red-helleborine is a rare and exquisite European terrestrial orchid that produces striking pink-red blooms in early summer in dappled woodland shade. It requires very specific conditions — alkaline, well-drained, nutrient-poor chalky or limestone soil with a fungal mycorrhizal community — making it extremely challenging to cultivate outside its native habitat. This plant is best appreciated in specialist native plant or woodland gardens and is not recommended for beginners.
Care Level
High
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
6″ – 24″
Soil
loam
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
10″
Watering Schedule
Every 7-10 Days During Growing Season; Minimal Watering In Dormancy • Water Sparingly At The Base; Keep Soil Just Moist And Never Waterlogged, As Roots Are Highly Sensitive To Excess Moisture
Soil pH
7.5 – 8
Temperature
-10° – 95°F
Mature Spread
up to 6″
Root Depth
Medium
Foliage
Fine
Propagation: Division
Native to
Attracts
Sources
Data: trefle, usda
Image: trefle.io — Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.