Orchids are the most popular exotic houseplants. Most varieties are very sensitive to frost and cannot survive the winter outside. But even in summer, only a few of the permanent bloomers feel comfortable on the terrace or balcony. If you want to enjoy their delicate flowers outdoors, you should choose garden orchids. We explain how to plant and properly care for garden orchids.
What is an earth orchid and which varieties feel particularly comfortable in the home garden?
Most people think of orchids as exotic flowers that are only suitable for growing in containers. It's true that the best-known varieties come from tropical areas. But actually the family is spread all over the world. There are also several native species in Europe. These are referred to with the collective term terrestrial orchids or garden orchids. In contrast to theExotics from South AmericaThe terrestrial orchids do not require a special substrate, but can also get along well with conventional potting soil.
Which orchids are hardy?
The lady's slipper is perhaps the most famous garden orchid. The broad-leaved orchid also belongs to the plant family Orchidaceae. Specimens of the genus Pleione are also interesting for hobby gardeners. Exotic plants, such as some varieties from the Bletilla genus that come from Asia, also feel at home in the garden. At first glance, the Stendelwurzen do not look like orchids. But when you look closer you notice ittypical flower shapeand recognizes that it is a genus of plants from the family Orchidaceae.
The following terrestrial orchids are hardy:
- Bletilla formosana: An exotic species widespread in Taiwan, Japan and China.
- Bletilla ochracea “Chinese Butterfly”
- Bletilla striata (Japanorchidee), Varieties "Dawn" "Arbostriata", "Big Bob", "Junpaku"
- Calanthe discolor , Sorten “Eco Rose” “Eco White”
- Erdorchideen Calante reflexa
- Gartenorchideen Calanthe nipponica
- Outdoor orchids Cremastra appendiculata
- Calopogon tuberosus (Grasspink)
- Dactylorhiza (orchid)
- Cephalanthera
- Epipactis (Stendelwurz) “Serpentine NightG”
The lady's slipper is one of the most popular outdoor orchids in this country. Like all other domestic terrestrial orchids, it is a legally protected species. However, there are dealers who sell the rarities. When purchasing, however, you should always make sure that the dealer is certified.
Planting garden orchids: When is the right time?
Similar to their exotic relatives, garden orchids are planted after the flowering period has ended. The best times for this are late summer and early fall, when the flowers are dormant and the weather is still warm. This gives them enough time until next spring to develop their roots and recover.
The right location for the terrestrial orchids
The outdoor orchids prefer a sunny to partially shaded location and, like their relatives from Asia and South America, can hardly tolerate direct sunlight. They are best suited as border plants in flower beds and for planting under trees and shrubs.
Planting garden orchids: Which soil for outdoor orchids?
In contrast to the exotics, domestic orchids have no aerial roots. They therefore do not need an orchid substrate, but can easily thrive in potting soil. What is particularly important is that the soil is airy and nutrient-rich. You can therefore first loosen it and enrich it with compost and only thenplants in the groundset. Good drainage is also an absolute must, as outdoor orchids cannot tolerate waterlogging. If the garden soil is clayey, you can mix it with medium-grain building sand. However, not all sand is suitable - quartz sand is too fine and can even worsen the permeability.
How to water and fertilize the orchids in the garden?
Water requirements can vary greatly from species to species. However, all garden orchids have one thing in common: they need more water during the flowering period and need to be watered more frequently. In garden centers you can find special fertilizers for orchids. These are usually diluted. Fertilize after every watering. When the outdoor orchids sprout in spring, it is the right time to provide them with slow-release fertilizer to promote flower formation.
When do outdoor orchids bloom?
The flowering period of most outdoor orchids begins in April, the flowering period extends until early summer and usually ends in July. Of course, the flowering time can vary depending on the species and variety.
Planting garden orchids: summary
The garden orchids fascinate with their delicate flowers and are in no way inferior to their relatives from Asia and South America when it comes to flower splendor. However, they have one big advantage: they are hardy and can spend the cold season outside. The native terrestrial orchid species have similar location requirements as houseplants. A spot in light shade, such as under a tree or tall bush, is best. The soil should be humus-rich, permeable and moderately moist. The orchids are watered as needed, fertilized once before the start of the gardening season and then after each watering. If you take good care of them, the permanent bloomers will thank you with lots of delicate flowers.
