Hardy orchids are impressive and easy to take care of. They can grow to a height in the garden of 70-100cm when matured. The flowers are quite interesting and come in a whole variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, from whites to reds, and pinks to yellows. Some varieties have a single flower on the end of a long stem, and others are clusters. The plant is known for its hardy nature, and its perennial, clumping habit. A great addition to a filtered light or partially shaded area, hardy orchids are a showy and unique plant that is sure to impress. They are a perfect addition to a low maintenance garden, or for people who want to add something different to their space.
Hardy orchids prefer to be planted in semi-shaded or filtered light locations of the garden. It is important to put them is areas of the garden that do not receive the hot afternoon sun because they are sensitive to the heat and will not be able to establish in an area where the heat and sun are too great. Their rhizomes should be planted in the ground in the early New Year, January to March, and bloom in April and May. The newly planted rhizomes will take time to adjust in their new environment and shoots of green foliage can be expected to begin showing in April. After about 5 weeks, once the foliage has arrived, blooms will begin to show and continue in through the summer until late June. It is important to make sure that your orchids have enough water during the hottest months of summer because they can become fatigued and may suffer permanent damage if they are left too long without enough water.
With hardy orchids, it is important to achieve the right soil mixture to ensure that they can reach their potential and survive in the area that they are planted in. Soil that is low in organic material and that drains quickly is very important for them so that their roots do not rot and they are able to aerate better through the soil. Soils that contain higher levels of sand or small pebbles are better suited. If the soil is too dense, breaking it up and adding sand or lava rocks will increase the chances of your rhizomes being able to adjust to their new environment.
Hardy orchids are incredibly easy to care for during the winter months too. Once the blooms have faded, and the foliage has yellowed, usually in the fall, the orchids can remain in place through the winter with no need to be removed or covered. Hardy to a temperature of -30°C, these orchids make a great addition to gardens that typically endure colder temperatures during the winter months. Remove any dead foliage from the plant in early winter or late fall, and slow the watering because the plant will not need as much during dormancy. The following year, expect to see them up again in your garden. They naturally clump, and year-to-year you can expect to see the size of your hardy orchid gradually increase.
