Orchids in the Garden

Such species are sold in specialized shops as either outdoor or garden orchids. Most commonly, descendants of the lady slipper orchid (Cypripedium) and the marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza), which is also native to our latitudes (for example, the violet Dactylorhiza alpestris and Dactylorhiza maculata), are sold.

For lady slippers, it is advisable to buy the easier-to-care-for hybrids; for example, the Cypripedium hybrid "Hank Small" is a vigorous, low-maintenance, and beautiful species.

With these types of orchids, the leaves turn brown in autumn and can then be cut off, allowing them to tolerate temperatures down to -20°C. It is advisable to add shredded wood to the soil. This loosens the soil nicely and helps the plants develop strongly.

Location and Care for Outdoor Orchids
When choosing a location, ensure that your orchids are not exposed to direct midday sun. They prefer partially shaded spots. For this reason, they look especially natural and decorative when planted in a bed combined with other shade-loving plants, particularly ferns and mosses.

After a few years, once the orchid groups have grown substantial, you can proceed to divide them. This not only rejuvenates the plants but naturally increases their number.

Otherwise, it's sufficient to fertilize regularly with a weak solution to enjoy their persistent and beautiful blooms, depending on the variety, until late summer.

An exception among garden orchids is another group: the Ragwort orchid (Ophrys). These plants undergo two dormant phases annually; in addition to winter, they also retreat in mid-summer. The most popular species include the violet Orchis italica and Orchis militaris.

The Ragwort orchid is quite sun-loving and can even tolerate full sun exposure. It prefers rather nutrient-poor, well-draining soil.

Incidentally, these cunning flowers cleverly deceive the insects they need for pollination. The plants emit pheromones that attract male insects. Additionally, parts of the flowers appear to the lovesick insects like ready-to-mate females, unknowingly turning them into helpers in the pollination process.