In New Zealand we are so lucky as florists to have a good supply of New Zealand grown cymbidium orchid flowers over the winter / spring months for use in our floral displays.       I really enjoyed making the lovely large display below recently for one of our customers.

Cymbidium Orchids have a tropical look to them, but grow very well in New Zealand conditions as potted plants which can be bought indoors over winter when the flowering occurs; Cymbidium species come from the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal, running through China and Japan, Indochina down through Malaysia to Australia. The hybrids of today like a cool growing area with dappled sunlight during the heat of the day. An ideal position would be under a tree with access to the wind and the rain and part-shade over the summer and autumn months.

The flowers last for two to three weeks when picked, and make a stunning addition to any floral arrangement.   The individual flowers with a bit of foliage added make excellent button holes.

Flower colour ranges from deep burgundy, dark and light pink, green, yellows, bronze, and white; with many having a splash of different colours on the lip petal.