Many of us at some point have prized or coveted an neighbours orchid plant. Most varieties such as the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), or the Cymbidium adorn the shelves of garden centres and home improvement stores throughout the UK. I have grown many specimens myself on my windowsills – always taking centre stage.
Orchids for your garden!
Would you be surprised to hear the orchids are not just for the home, but also for the garden? There are collections of Japanese hardy orchids that can easily been grow in any situation, here in the UK.
The hardy Calanthe (Greek: ‘beautiful-flower’) belongs to a large genus of over 150 species. Only six of these varieties can be grow in UK.
Although they are tough, they will benefit with a generous mulch (10cm+) of peat free compost, bark or leaves during the colder months. Alternatively, keep them in pots and remove them to a frost-free environment during winter. Calanthe prefer dappled sunlight and will thrive under the partial shade of a tree and look great amongst ferns and hostas.
Hardy orchid are native to damp mountainous woodland, so never let your plants dry out. The best results can be achieve by feeding them with specialist orchid fertilizer. Autumn is the perfect time to divide up your plant’s pseudo-bulbs.