Bletilla Cold-Hardy Terrestrial Orchids

…commonly known as Chinese ground orchids, are remarkably easy to grow for beginners. They are known to thrive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9 with proper care and some winter protection.

Hardy Bletilla Varieties

The genus includes three primary species and their varieties commonly grown for their cold hardiness and ease of care.

• Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid)

  • This is the most common and vigorous species, producing typical rose-purple or magenta flowers. It is hardy to zones 5 through 9 and can survive temperatures down to around -4°F (-20°C) with adequate mulching in winter.

  • Varieties include:

• • • Bletilla striata 'Alba': Features elegant, bright white flowers.

    • Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni': Produces pale pink or white flowers with a distinct dark pink or magenta ringed lip.

    • Bletilla striata 'Variegata': Offers attractive variegated leaves in addition to the flowers.

• Bletilla ochracea (Golden Chinese Ground Orchid)

  • This species features delicate, pale-yellow flowers with a yellow or lavender lip.

  • It is slightly less cold hardy than B. striata, generally suited for zones 7 through 10.

• Hybrids

  • Bletilla x yokohama 'Kate': A cross between B. striata and B. ochracea, this hybrid is noted for its beautiful pink flowers with a yellow blotch and is hardy in zones 6 to 10.

Cold-Hardy Care

Bletilla are deciduous, meaning their foliage dies back in the fall, and they overwinter as dormant pseudobulbs. This dormancy period actually benefits flowering.

• Winter Protection: In colder regions (zones 5-6), apply a thick, insulating layer of dry mulch (such as straw or woodchips) in winter to protect the dormant pseudobulbs from deep freezes.

• Container Growing: For those in zone 5 or colder, Bletilla can be successfully grown in containers and brought into a cool, frost-free location like a shed or garage for the winter.

• Location and Soil: They prefer a site with partial or dappled shade (more sun is tolerated in northern climates) and organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. They do not thrive in dry, shady gardens or soil which is too wet.

  Good Luck as these are very rewarding

  when they bloom in the Spring