Garden-ready orchids were a beautiful dream until a few years ago. Thanks to new knowledge and competent breeders, we no longer have to do without the exotic flower magic outdoors. Explore a selection of hardy orchids for beds and balconies here.

The forest hyacinth, a native species of orchid, is hardy

Spectacular and hardy - the lady's slipper orchid

Their large flowers are reminiscent of shoes when they adorn the garden from May to July. The orchid genus Cypripedium provides us with magnificent hybrids that are not only hardy, but also extremely easy to care for. With a growth height of 35-40 cm, lady's slipper orchids like to set colorful accents in pots on the balcony.

Native orchids boast robust winter hardiness

Orchid species native to Germany continue the exotic flower festival of their exotic fellow species in the bed. Equipped with a winter hardiness down to - 28 degrees Celsius, they thrive perennial, like any classic perennial. These genera and species have made a name for themselves as hardy garden orchids:

  • Cuckoo flower, orchid (Dactylorhiza) inspires with purple or pink spike flowers over lanceolate leaves
  • Orchids (Orchis) adorn the bed with dense inflorescences in numerous purple and reddish nuances
  • Forest hyacinth (Platanthera) boasts expansive sepals, a tongue-shaped lip and a striking spur

The white forest bird (Cephalanthera damasonium) should not be missing in this selection of hardy orchids. The orchid of the year 2022 enchants with ivory-colored flowers, which gather in groups of 6 to 20 individual flowers on the tightly upright inflorescence. The beautiful bloom lasts from mid-May to mid-July.

Hardy orchids from distant lands

The Japanese orchid (Bletilla striata) is in no way inferior to the native orchids when it comes to winter hardiness. The easy-care garden orchid multiplies quickly in a partially shaded location with well-drained soil, so that within a few years dense clumps with countless pink-red flowers attract attention.

The Tibetan orchid (Pleione) still endures frosty temperatures down to - 10 degrees Celsius. In mild winter or sheltered locations, equipped with frost protection made of leaves or garden fleece, the spectacle of flowers is repeated every year.

tips

Autumn is the best time to plant hardy garden orchids. This is especially true for the native species, such as the yellow lady's slipper orchid. Choose a sheltered, semi-shady spot outdoors with fine, crumbly, fresh, moist soil. In small groups of 3, the noble flower beauties come into their own.

Category:

Indoor plants