The Orchid

Available February 2026 – pre-order now!

This collection of 40 orchids tells the many intriguing stories of this beguiling plant, including over 250 stunning illustrations and fascinating documents held in Kew's archives.

Queen of the night, Darwin’s comet, lady’s slipper, little dragon, black chimaera – the otherworldly names of orchid species are as beautiful as these sought-after flowers themselves.

From flamboyant and colourful to strange and understated, and from alpine meadows to cloud forests, the orchid’s variety and range is unparalleled – and has made it an object of obsession to plant collectors for centuries. With over 250 stunning botanical illustrations and fascinating documents from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Orchid explores 40 different varieties of this evocative and elusive flower.

ISBN 9781035427727

256 pages, 237 x 185 mm