Orangery vs. Greenhouse — What's the Difference?

An architectural feature that complements the main residence, often with bespoke designs.

Often equipped with advanced systems for regulating temperature and humidity.

A leisure space integrated within residences, blending indoors with outdoors.

Used by both amateur gardeners and professional botanists for plant propagation.

A historical symbol of wealth and status in Europe, particularly from the 17th to the 19th century.

A structure made primarily of glass panels used to cultivate plants in controlled climatic conditions.

A sophisticated structure traditionally used to house and protect citrus trees during colder months.

Versatile in use, from small backyard structures to large commercial operations.

An elegant brick or wood building with large windows and a unique roof, often used as a garden room.

A functional building focused on maximizing plant growth and health.

An orangery or orangerie was a room or a dedicated building on the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries where orange and other fruit trees were protected during the winter, as a very large form of greenhouse or conservatory.The orangery provided a luxurious extension of the normal range and season of woody plants, extending the protection which had long been afforded by the warmth offered from a masonry fruit wall. A century after the use for orange and lime trees had been established, other varieties of tender plants, shrubs and exotic plants also came to be housed in the orangery, which often gained a stove for the upkeep of these delicate plants in the cold winters of northern Europe.

A greenhouse (also called a glasshouse, or, if with sufficient heating, a hothouse) is a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, such as glass, in which plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown. These structures range in size from small sheds to industrial-sized buildings.

A sheltered place, especially a greenhouse, used for growing orange trees and other delicate plants in cool climates.

A glass building in which plants that need protection from cold weather are grown.

A greenhouse in which orange trees are grown.

A structure, primarily of glass or sheets of clear plastic, in which temperature and humidity can be controlled for the cultivation or protection of plants.

A garden or plantation where orange trees are grown.

(Slang) A clear plastic bubble or shell covering part of an aircraft.

A place for raising oranges; a plantation of orange trees.

A building used to grow plants, particularly one with large glass windows or plastic sheeting to trap heat from sunlight even in intemperate seasons or climates.

The glass of a plane's cockpit.

(medicine) A structure that shields the operating table to protect against bacteria.

(climatology) A hot state in global climate.

(transitive) To place (plants) in a greenhouse.

To nurture in order to promote growth.

A house in which tender plants are cultivated and sheltered from the weather.

A building with glass walls and roof; for the cultivation and exhibition of plants under controlled conditions

Of or relating to or caused by the greenhouse effect;

Building an orangery is generally more expensive due to its robust construction and architectural features, while greenhouses can vary in cost depending on size and materials.

Orangeries can be energy efficient if designed with modern insulation and heating, although their large windows can lead to higher heat loss compared to more insulated parts of a home.

The lifespan of a greenhouse depends on the materials used and the maintenance practices, but typically, a well-maintained greenhouse can last several decades.

Citrus trees, tropical plants, and other temperature-sensitive plants that benefit from the stable environment and aesthetic setting of an orangery are ideal.

Yes, greenhouses are commonly used for commercial purposes, especially in agricultural and horticultural industries, for growing a wide range of plants at a larger scale.

Orangeries can be used year-round as social and leisure spaces, while greenhouses may require adjustments in heating and ventilation to accommodate seasonal changes in temperature.

It's advisable to have secure locks and possibly alarm systems, especially if valuable plants or equipment are housed within.

While an orangery can house plants, it is not typically designed for extensive horticulture like a greenhouse due to its construction and aesthetic focus.

Yes, greenhouses can be attached to homes, though they are often designed as standalone structures for better light exposure and environmental control.

Both structures should be placed to maximize sunlight exposure, but greenhouses may require additional considerations for wind and shading to optimize plant growth.

Orangeries require regular maintenance such as cleaning the glass, maintaining the frame and managing the temperature and humidity levels to protect both the structure and the plants.

Orangeries are often designed in classical, Victorian, or contemporary styles to complement the main residence aesthetically.

Building regulations can significantly affect both, with orangeries often needing stricter adherence due to their integration with residential structures, whereas greenhouses focus more on safety and environmental impact.

Recent advancements include automated climate control systems, LED grow lights, and hydroponic systems that improve sustainability and plant growth efficiency.

Orangeries often use more conventional heating systems similar to those in a home, while greenhouses might use specialized horticultural heating systems that can include soil heating and air circulation technologies.