Bletilla (Hardy Orchids)

Bletilla formosana (Taiwan Ground Orchid)

Taiwan Ground Orchids are native to Taiwan, Japan’s Ryuku Islands, and the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Xizang, and Yunnan.
From late spring to early summer, they produce loose spikes of up to 6 nodding pale pink or white flowers with lips marked with deep yellow and red spots. Borne on wiry stems, they rise above the foliage of arching, linear green leaves. Taiwan Ground Orchids are hardy to zones 7-9. They prefer part shade in evenly moist, well-drained soil.

Bletilla ochracea (Golden Chinese Ground Orchid)

Golden Chinese Ground Orchids are native to Vietnam and the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan.
In late spring, they produce delicate, cattleya-like, pale yellow flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with pale lavender to rich yellow lip. Borne on stems rising to 18 in. (45 cm), they rise above the foliage of long, pleated green leaves. Golden Chinese Ground Orchids are hardy to zones 7-8. They prefer part shade in evenly moist, well-drained soil.

Growing Bletilla Orchids

Bletilla is a genus of terrestrial orchids that are fairly easy to cultivate compared to many other orchids. Here are some growing tips for Bletilla:

• Location: Bletilla prefers a location with partial shade, though they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Soil: They require well-draining soil. A mixture of garden soil and compost works well. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral.
• Planting: Plant the bulbs 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) deep and about 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. It’s better to plant them in the spring, as soon as any danger of frost has passed.
• Watering: Bletilla likes consistent moisture during the growing season but does poorly with waterlogged soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and once again at the beginning of the growing season.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch over the planting area to protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures.
• Pests and Diseases: Bletilla is generally pest-free. However, slugs and snails can sometimes be a problem, so be on the lookout for these pests.
• Propagation: Bletilla can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in early spring before new growth begins.

Remember that Bletilla, like many orchids, may take a couple of years to establish and start blooming, so patience is key. Once established, they will multiply and bloom for many years with little care.