Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea

People who have never seen a bee orchid in the wild have a treat in store. Each flower is perfection in miniature. Colour is provided by three prominent, triangular sepals in a rich blancmange pink. But it is the lowest of three petals where the action takes place, for this is enlarged into a lip. The fuzzy, little bee orchid flowers look like real bees feeding on three pink petals. This is one of nature’s clever tricks, as bees visit the plant in hopes of mating with the little faux bees. This bit of bee orchid mimicry ensures the plant is pollinated, as the male bees transfer the pollen to nearby female plants. The sweet aroma doesn’t hurt either when it comes to attracting amorous pollinators