Bletilla

("Hardy orchid / Chinese ground orchid")

Origins:

Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam. It was one of the first orchids in cultivation in England around 1794.

Planting Tips:

This is an easy to grow orchid that likes a loose, highly organic soil with good drainage and a spot with plenty of air movement. It can stand some frost in the Winter time (20F/-7C), hence it's common name 'hardy orchid'. However do mulch it well (and do not remove that prematurely in Spring) if your climate zone gets that cold. In even colder areas you should over winter them in pots in a cool area with indirect light (water very modestly when not in growth). Plant the horn or claw like corms at soil level. Keep moist while growing but not wet.

Flowers in the Bletilla Family

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