Yes, there are orchids you can grow outside in the garden.  These are called hardy or terrestrial (meaning in the ground) orchids.  Growing this group of plants can be easier than you think, provided you choose the right species and pay attention to a few cultural needs.

When people think of orchids, they invariably think of the ones among the 20,000 tropical species and even more hybrids that must be grown indoors in northern climates.  Most don’t realize there are over 200 species of terrestrial native orchids that grow in North America.

Since some of these may be endangered in certain states, it is essential to purchase plants from ethical sources– nurseries that have either saved species from habitat destruction, or more often propagated and grown them in their nurseries. One authority for such sources is the New England Wildflower Society.

To dispel two common misconceptions, hardy orchids can be grown in gardens outside their natural habitats, and they can be transplanted.  Tips for which species to choose for what kind of conditions, and their culture, can be found in the book by William Mathis, The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Hardy Perennial Orchids .

One principle for growing hardy orchids is that many not only thrive in temperate, even frigid climates, but some may need below-freezing temperatures to meet cold requirements for bloom (much like tulips and many other perennials).

Another key point in success with hardy orchids is that they don’t need much fertilizer.  In fact, they don’t tolerate heavy fertility.  Usually some compost incorporated at planting, and applied around them in future years, is all that is needed.  If you have nutrient-poor soil, you may fertilize plants lightly with one-quarter strength or rate that you would use normally for flowers.

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont