Bletilla Hardy Garden Orchid

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Bletilla Hardy Garden Orchid is a remarkable terrestrial orchid that grows 12 to 14 inches tall, blooming for an impressive 10 weeks in late spring and early summer. Its delicate, cattleya-like flowers in a soft pinkish-purple hue sit atop elegant, papery lance-shaped pale green leaves, which remain attractive throughout the season until the first frost. The upright racemes of flowers bring a graceful touch to garden beds, borders, containers, or vases.

Bletilla striata, commonly known as hardy garden orchid or Chinese ground orchid, is a hardy clump-forming perennial (Zones 5-9) that adapts well to a variety of growing conditions. Naturally found in semi-wooded areas and along forest edges, this orchid is perfect for shaded borders or patio pots and spreads gently when grown in the garden, forming modest clumps over time.

These low-maintenance orchids thrive in partially sunny, protected locations with organically rich, well-draining soil that remains moderately moist. Hardy garden orchids are drought tolerant, resistant to diseases, and require minimal care. In colder climates (Zone 5), apply a thick layer of winter mulch to protect them from harsh temperatures.

Plant Bletilla Hardy Garden Orchid bulbs in spring, spacing them 12 inches apart and burying them 4 inches deep.