Cymbidium Orchids That Will Grow Well Outside in Tennessee

Cymbidium orchids bloom in profuse clusters, with up to 20 large flowers on each stem. Five soft petals that surround a protruding "lip" on this exotic flower bloom in numerous color combinations. This hardy orchid prefers to be outdoors for at least part of the year. In Tennessee, put your cymbidium orchid outdoors in a partially shaded location when nighttime temperatures rise above 40 degrees; bring it inside when temperatures drop below 40.

The standard cymbidium orchid produces long stalks covered in large, colorful flowers. The flower stalks tower over long, swordlike leaves that grow up to 3 feet long. "Black Panther Cabernet" is an example of a standard cymbidium orchid that grows well outdoors in Tennessee. This orchid bears deep burgundy flowers with a white-and-burgundy lip. Another variety, "Joan’s Charisma Vanity," has large white flowers with fuchsia markings on the lip. Because of their size and prolific blooms, cymbidium orchids will need fertilizer twice a month at half the strength recommended on the package.

Miniature cymbidiums are as attractive as the standard variety, but grow only to 2 feet tall; the flower stalks reach up to twice that height. While not as large as standard cymbidium flowers, miniature cymbidium blossoms can be up to 3 inches wide and are often fragrant. "Blanche Ames Geyserland," with bright yellow flowers, is good choice for your Tennessee landscape. "Kusuda Shining VE Day" is a miniature cymbidium with fragrant, reddish-orange flowers. Like all cymbidium cultivars, these miniature orchid plants need indirect, bright light and high humidity.

These orchid plants are compact with arching stems that spill over the sides of the container in a colorful display. The flower spikes grow up to 3 feet long and are so densely covered with flowers that you may not see the container beneath them. Cascading cymbidium orchids are ideal for hanging containers in your Tennessee garden. "Geno’s Gem Emerald Fire" is a cascading orchid with green flowers displaying a red lip. "Dorothy Stockstill Forgotten Fruit" boasts rust-colored petals with yellow markings and creamy margins, and a dark-red, almost purple, lip. Like most cymbidiums, cascading orchids need soil that is moist, but not wet.