Orchids – the plant of the future
There's an explosion of orchids at Chelsea Flower Show this year – the quality is extraordinary, says Johan Hermans, chairman of the RHS orchid committee.
‘There are more orchid exhibitors than ever,’ said Johan. ‘And the Taiwanese stand has to be seen to be believed (Taiwan Orchid Growers Association GPD2).’ You will see the very latest in breeding, with a lot of the plants being seen for the very first time.
Japan’s Nagoya International (GPG21) display is very colourful, with superb examples of Cattleya and Dendrobium orchids, and the Jersey-based Eric Young Orchid Foundation (GPD19) are showing Miltoniopsis is all its shapes and colours. ‘It’s top class and all from the high Andes so it’s remarkable that they’ve managed to show them in the temperatures we’ve experienced this year.’
But if it’s the future of orchids you want to see, then check out the hardy slipper orchids at Chelsea (Cypripedium). There’s an example in contention for Plant of the Show, and McBeans Orchids (GPE24) have a stunning display of new hybrids.
‘This orchid is very special. For orchids to grow at home, it’s the plant of the future,’ said Johan, who also highlighted the Orchid Society of Great Britain display (GPB7) as one to visit. ‘I think this is the best ever display of orchids at Chelsea this year – they are really quite extraordinary.’