question about egret orchids...and other hardy orchids

[SShide77]

Hello,

I live in zone 6 and have wanted to try out some of the hardy terrestrial orchids.

I've read that the white egret orchid is hardy to zone 6, has anyone tried it? I know they take more bog-like conditions, which I wouldn't have a problem simulating, but has anyone taken a stab at growing them outside and leaving them in the ground over the winter?

Any other opinions on a good hardy terrestrial to try?

Thanks,
Sarah

[Ellen]

Is the white egret a Habenaria? I live in zone 8 and the ones I tried rotted here. Maybe they would do better in your zone. Here are the hardy terrestrials that I am growing and most recommend:

Bletilla striata comes in a couple of different colors, the flowers look like small Cattleyas, and they will grow outdoors just about anywhere. I love them. They're the best to start with since they're so showy and so easy to grow. There are now a lot of hybrid Bletillas, too, if you like hybrids. The May 2008 issue of "Orchids" has an article on Bletilla if you want to read about them.

Calanthe discolor: This plant is evergreen in my zone, but probably would be deciduous in yours. It's a very nice plant that puts up a tall flower spike with many green and pink flowers. There are other hardy Calanthe species, too.

Dactylorrhiza praeterissima, fuchsii, and maculata: Nice plants with attractive foliage. D praeterissima and fuchsii have beautiful spotted leaves. All produce tall spikes with many lavender to bright magenta flowers.

Epipactis gigantea: I just got this one, but it's another hardy orchid, and seems to be growing well so far.

Cypripedium species: These are the N American slipper orchids. I'm growing favillianum, reginae, and parviflorum from tiny starts just out of flask. The two species I got last year have mostly survived their first winter outside and are doing well, but I don't generally recommend starting so small. Cyps are marginal here in zone 8, but should be very happy in zone 6 since they like cold winters.

If you want info on sources for these plants, feel free to PM me.

[articuno75]

Habenaria radiata is a synonym of pecteilis radiata, or the Egret Flower.

There are a couple of us that are growing it now. They have to be planted in the spring. Here is the Link to the thread.

[solay]

I recently bought some Bletilla striata. I've just potted them in some potting soil. Eventually I plan to grow them in the ground next to the GH. I hope they are as hardy as it is described to be. The flowers are really pretty. Maybe you can try them too.

[sandra]

Very interesting!

Ellen, can they be grown in pots, in particular, Bletilla striata? What kind of potting mix or should they be grown in regular potting soil? And, where can I find these?

[SShide77]

Yeah, this is very interesting! I think Iw ill try some next year, as I have already spent my budget for other flowers and orchids this spring!

[sandra]

Now that I think of it, I think I've seen these (Bletilla striata) at Home Depot. Any smaller (leaf) varieties? I've got a reed-stem epidendrum growing in a pot with regular potting soil and it's taking up a lot of room but I'd love to grow some smaller ones, if you or anyone can suggest which ones. Thanks!

[SShide77]

But just in case i do end up with terrestrials this year, is it too late to start them?

[PhalPal]

Of course I would have a book to match the occasion......this one really hits the mark. It's called 'The Gardeners Guide to Growing Hardy Perennial Orchids' by William Mathis, Ph.D. If you live on the east coast or midwest this one is for you. It doesn't hit on plants that do well in warmer climates. Now, I don't know if the featured orchids would go ahead and grow anyway in Ca and Fl, but he does make a note of saying that the plants that go dormant can rot during warm, wet winters. This author is open to emails and I think I might write and ask him. He also sells terrestrials at Welcome to Webmaster Forum Webmaster SEO Tools wildorchidcompany.com but he is closed until fall.