When we think of exotic orchids, we usually picture steamy, tropical rainforests. But here’s a cool secret: some of these stunning flowers are actually tough enough to handle a chilly winter right in your backyard! Believe it or not, many species—especially those native to cooler climates—are perfectly happy staying outdoors when the temperature drops.
Native Hardy Orchids
Most orchids native to Central Europe are surprisingly rugged. They’ve evolved to handle the frost and can survive temperatures as low as -18°F (-28°C) without breaking a sweat.
If you’re looking for some winter-ready beauties for your garden, keep an eye out for these:
- Lady’s Slipper Orchids
- Marsh Orchids (Orchis)
- Butterfly Orchids
- The White Helleborine
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid
The Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium) is easily one of the most famous and beloved hardy orchids. While you’ll spot them in forests and meadows, they are fantastic additions to a home garden or even in pots on your patio. Not only are they showstoppers, but they’re also incredibly low-maintenance and fully winter-hardy.
Marsh Orchids
These beauties usually steal the show with vibrant blooms in shades of purple, deep red, or soft pink.
Butterfly Orchids
Orchids from the Platanthera genus are a real highlight in any garden. They’re known for their wide, elegant sepals and those distinctive, eye-catching spurs.
The White Helleborine
This orchid was actually named “Orchid of the Year” back in 2017, and it’s easy to see why. It features delicate, ivory-colored blossoms that grow in clusters of up to 20 on a single upright stem. It’s a total classic and, of course, totally winter-hardy.
Exotic Hardy Orchids
It’s not just the locals that can handle the cold! There are a few exotic varieties from around the world that are surprisingly frost-tolerant too.
Two great examples are:
- The Japanese Hardy Orchid (Bletilla)
- The Tibetan Orchid (Pleione)
The Japanese Hardy Orchid
Much like the native varieties, the Japanese orchid is a tough cookie. It can handle temperatures down to -18°F (-28°C) outdoors without needing any extra blankets or protection.
The Tibetan Orchid
The Pleione, or Tibetan Orchid, isn’t quite as bulletproof as the others, but it’s still pretty resilient. It handles temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C) just fine. If your local forecast gets colder than that, you’ll want to give this exotic beauty a little extra winter protection to make sure it bounces back in the spring.
Caring for Indoor Orchids in Winter
While the garden varieties are out there braving the snow, your indoor orchids need a different kind of TLC during the winter months. Common houseplant favorites like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium actually prefer a slightly cooler spot in the house during their winter rest period to stay healthy and prep for their next bloom.