Burnham Nurseries Ltd is situated in picturesque South Devon and has been run by the Rittershausen Family since 1949, now in its third generation. Our long-standing team are full of knowledge and helpful advice.

 We have the largest selection of orchid species and hybrids available in the UK and our unique nursery can be visited any time of the year. From 13th July 2020 we will be open Monday – Friday from 10am to 3pm and plenty of free help and advice is always on hand.

 Rain or shine we can guarantee a great show of orchids 12 months of the year. Whether you are serious orchid enthusiasts, keen gardeners or just looking for a memorable day out then make sure that our nursery is in your programme of events for this year.

 Our orchids in bloom are ever-changing with rare and exotic to the popular and latest varieties. Many of these orchids you won’t see anywhere else in the UK and are part of the nursery collection built up over 70 years. The flowers on show change from season to season making it always worth a visit!Brassia orchids in flower in Orchid Paradise

 You can even relax and enjoy some refreshment in our Café Vanilla.

 All year round we travel the length and breadth of the British Isles to bring our orchids to you at garden centre orchid days and specialist orchid events both large and small, so there is bound to an event in your area at some point. Every year we attend the RHS London Orchid Show and plus we exhibited at The Chelsea Flower Show for 52 consecutive years 1958-2009 where we were awarded 20 Gold Medals.

 Mail order is our speciality; we can send any orchids, anywhere in the UK. Our fast services will get the orchids to you safely with expert packing, even in full bloom! You can order with confidence and know that your orchids will arrive intact. Delivery details here

 We also offer our popular Orchid Masterclasses, full day courses to help you learn all the basics you need to enjoy your new, fascinating hobby. If you have a poorly orchid or youi just need some advice on culture or repotting, bring it along to our monthly Orchid Clinics.

 Follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletters to keep in touch of the latest orchid news.

Our History

 At Burnham Nurseries we are proud to be a family-run business. Now in its third generation, Burnham Nurseries was started by Percy Rittershausen in 1949, in Croydon, Surrey, having grown orchids successfully as a hobby since the 1920s. Our business gradually grew and moved to Kingsteignton, Devon in 1951 where, against all odds, it survived and prospered for many years until we relocated to our present site in 1985. Percy’s son Brian and daughter Wilma continued to run the nursery as well as authoring many books on orchids over the years.

 Burnham Nurseries is now managed by Brian and Ann’s daughter Sara, as well as a team of long-standing and experienced staff who you will meet in our nursery and at events around the British Isles.

 We now grow and produce the widest range of orchids of anyone in the UK, with a clutch of awards and vast knowledge, here to help you with your orchids!

 Our story is interesting and entertaining and one which has been published in our book “Orchids – One Family’s Passion” by Wilma Rittershausen. It is of interest from the orchid and social history points of view, chronicling the trials and tribulations of running a nursery in the post-war years.

 Even if you are not interested in orchids, we think you will find it a fascinating read.