Garden-friendly orchids were a beautiful dream until a few years ago. Thanks to new findings 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.
Which orchids are hardy for the garden?
Hardy orchids, such as the lady's slipper orchid, cuckoo flower, orchid, forest hyacinth, white forest bird, Japanese orchid and Tibetan orchid, thrive outdoors and offer an exotic flower festival in the bed or on the balcony. Plant these in autumn in a protected, partially shaded location with moist, fresh soil.
Spectacular and hardy - the lady's slipper orchid
Their large flowers are reminiscent of shoes when they decorate 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 add 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 counterparts in the bed. Equipped with a winter hardiness down to -28 degrees Celsius, they thrive perennially, like any classic perennial. These genera and species have made a name for themselves as hardy garden orchids:
- Cuckoo flower, orchid (Dactylorhiza) impresses with purple or pink spiked flowers above lanceolate leaves
- Orchids (Orchis) decorate the bed with dense inflorescences in numerous purple and reddish shades
- Forest hyacinth (Platanthera) boasts expansive sepals, tongue-shaped lip and striking spur
The white forest bird (Cephalanthera damasonium) cannot be missing from this selection of hardy orchids. The orchid of the year 2017 enchants with ivory-colored flowers that gather in groups of 6 to 20 individual flowers on the tightly upright inflorescence. The beautiful blooms last 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. In a partially shaded location with well-drained soil, the easy-care garden orchid multiplies quickly, so that within a few years dense clumps with countless pink-red flowers attract attention.
The Tibetan orchid (Pleione) can still tolerate frosty temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius. In mild winter or sheltered locations, equipped with frost protection made of leaves or garden fleece, the flower spectacle repeats itself every year.
Tip
The best time to plant hardy garden orchids is autumn. This is particularly true for native species such as the yellow lady's slipper orchid. Choose a protected, partially shaded location outdoors with fine, crumbly, fresh, moist soil. The elegant flower beauties are particularly effective in small groups of 3.