Bletilla striata / Bletilla hyacinthina
("Hardy orchid / Chinese ground orchid")
Very pretty and inexpensive orchids with a great reputation of being the absolute easiest for a beginner to grow. Each shoot can have up to 6-12 flowers (even more on established older plants) with a ruffled lip and look like miniature Cattleya orchid flowers. The pleated and tapered foliage stays attractive even when the plants are not flowering.
What You Need To Know Before You Plant:
When Will This Flower Bloom?
Late Spring - Early Summer
When Should I Buy and Plant These Bulbs?
Spring
What Kind of Light Does This Bulb Prefer?
Partial sun with dappled or partial shade
What Color Will the Flower Be?
Mauve-pink
How Far Apart Should I Plant These Bulbs?
6 in / 15 cm
How Deep Should I Dig?
1 in / 3 cm
How Tall Will It Grow?
12-20 in / 30-50 cm
Recommended Number of Bulbs Per Square Foot?
3
Is It Deer/Critter Resistant?
Yes
How Can I Best Use It in My Landscaping?
As border edgings, in woodlands, rockgardens and containers.
Other Popular Varieties
(Besides the species itself); 'Alba' (white).
About the Family
Bletilla Family
Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam. It was one of the first orchids in cultivation in England around 1794.
Read More About the Family