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(Epipactis thunbergii)
Aozora (Epipactis thunbergii)
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Motohiro Sunouchi
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Motohiro Sunouchi
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Motohiro Sunouchi | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Motohiro Sunouchi | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Epipactis thunbergii, commonly known as Aozora, is a perennial herbaceous orchid native to the understory of deciduous forests, shaded mountainous areas, and moist valleys in Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows up to 40 cm in height and produces greenish-white flowers from mid to late summer. The flowers, while not particularly showy, are appreciated for their delicate beauty and intricate structure. The plant forms clumps with broad, pleated leaves that add texture to garden settings.
Aozora is valued for its subtle elegance and is often used in woodland garden settings, shade gardens, and naturalized areas where it can form attractive ground cover. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and requires partial shade to mimic its native forest habitat. While it is not drought-tolerant, it does not like to be waterlogged. Gardeners should ensure consistent moisture levels without overwatering. Aozora is relatively low-maintenance once established and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be sensitive to root disturbance, so it should not be frequently moved or divided.CC BY-SA 4.0
Aozora is valued for its subtle elegance and is often used in woodland garden settings, shade gardens, and naturalized areas where it can form attractive ground cover. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and requires partial shade to mimic its native forest habitat. While it is not drought-tolerant, it does not like to be waterlogged. Gardeners should ensure consistent moisture levels without overwatering. Aozora is relatively low-maintenance once established and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be sensitive to root disturbance, so it should not be frequently moved or divided.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Pink, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Understory of deciduous forests, shaded mountainous areas, and moist valleys
Other Names
Common Names: Marsh Helleborine
Scientific Names: , Epipactis thunbergii, Amesia thunbergii, Arthrochilium thunbergii, Epipactis gigantea var. manshurica, Epipactis gigantea var. manshurica, Epipactis gigantea var. thunbergii, Epipactis longifolia, Epipactis thunbergii f. flava, Epipactis thunbergii f. subconformis
GBIF Accepted Name: