One of the great pleasures of an orangery is the connection it creates between the house and garden. Large areas of glazing bring in natural light, views of the outdoors and, with the right design, an environment where plants can flourish throughout the year.
But which plants are genuinely suited to life in an orangery? The answer is broader than you might expect.
From traditional citrus trees to orchids, palms, herbs and colourful flowering plants, orangeries can provide an ideal growing environment for plants that might struggle outdoors in the British climate.
The key is choosing plants that suit the light, temperature and humidity levels of your particular space.
Citrus trees
Citrus trees are the plants most traditionally associated with orangeries; hence the name. Lemons, limes, oranges and kumquats can all thrive in a bright, sheltered environment.
They enjoy plenty of sunlight and generally prefer conditions that are warmer and more protected than those found in a typical British garden.
A mature citrus tree can also make a striking focal point in an oak framed orangery. Its glossy green foliage provides colour throughout the year, while fragrant blossom and fruit add another dimension.
During particularly bright summer weather, however, some protection from excessive heat and direct sunlight may be necessary.
Palms
If you want to give your orangery a distinctly exotic feel, palms are an excellent choice. Certain varieties can cope well with the relatively stable conditions found indoors, providing height and architectural interest.
Their large, distinctive leaves can also soften the clean lines of contemporary glazing or complement the natural character of an oak frame. The important thing is to choose a variety appropriate for indoor growing rather than simply bringing an outdoor palm inside.
Orchids
Orchids are particularly well suited to bright indoor environments and can provide an impressive display of flowers. They generally prefer indirect or filtered light rather than being placed directly in the strongest midday sunshine.
An orangery can therefore be an excellent location, particularly if its design incorporates blinds or other ways of controlling intense sunlight. With appropriate watering and humidity, orchids can reward you with long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage.
Herbs
An orangery doesn’t have to be filled exclusively with ornamental plants. Herbs such as basil, rosemary, mint, thyme and parsley can all be useful additions. Having fresh herbs close to the kitchen makes them practical as well as attractive.
Some herbs appreciate plenty of sunlight, while others are happier with a little shade. Grouping plants according to their needs can make looking after them much easier.
A collection of herbs in attractive pots can also bring a relaxed, informal character to the room.
Fiddle leaf figs and other foliage plants
If you’re looking for greenery rather than flowers, large-leaved houseplants can work particularly well in an orangery.
Fiddle leaf figs, rubber plants, monstera and similar tropical foliage plants can create a lush, sophisticated atmosphere. Their bold leaves work particularly well in large spaces where smaller houseplants might get lost.
These plants can also help blur the distinction between the interior and exterior, reinforcing the connection with the garden.
Bougainvillea and other flowering plants
For homeowners who want strong colour, certain flowering plants can thrive in a bright orangery.
Bougainvillea, for example, enjoys plenty of sunlight and can produce spectacular colour under the right conditions. It can also be trained against supports to create an attractive vertical display.
Other flowering plants may also work, although their requirements vary considerably. Before choosing one, consider how much direct sunlight your orangery receives and whether temperatures remain suitable throughout winter.
Ferns
For a softer, more natural look, ferns can be an excellent option. They tend to appreciate humidity and indirect light, making them particularly useful for areas of an orangery that don’t receive intense direct sunshine.
Different varieties can introduce a range of textures, from delicate fronds to larger architectural foliage. They can also work beautifully alongside oak, stone and other natural materials.
Succulents and cacti
It may seem surprising, but a bright orangery can also be an excellent environment for many succulents and cacti.
These plants generally appreciate plenty of light and don’t require frequent watering. That makes them relatively straightforward to maintain, provided they have suitable drainage and aren’t overwatered.
Good ventilation and appropriate shading can help prevent plants from becoming stressed during periods of intense summer heat. In winter, maintaining a reasonably consistent temperature will be important for more delicate tropical and subtropical plants.