Bletilla striata, Chinese Ground Orchids, Hyacinth Orchids, Bletilla hyacinthina, Bletia hyacinthina, Bletia striata
Bletilla are deciduous terrestrial perennial orchids boasting attractively pleated, linear to lance-shaped leaves and erect racemes of bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer. The delicate flowers vary in color from white to purple to yellow. The genus includes five currently recognized species distributed through China, Japan, Taiwan, and south to Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid), Bletilla formosana (Taiwan Ground Orchid), and Bletilla ochracea (Chinese Butterfly Orchid) are 3 popular hardy species of orchids grown by gardeners in temperate climate areas. They grow from pseudobulbs that resemble spreading corms and usually sit at ground level. A well-established clump of these in flower is quite beautiful and rewarding.
New shoots typically appear in mid-spring, forming a lush bouquet of long, green leaves. Starting in late spring, flowering is at its best in early to mid-summer. The foliage remains fresh-looking during the growing season before fading and disappearing in the fall. Bletilla then enters winter dormancy. Bletilla will naturalize and multiply modestly by short rhizomes and by seed dispersal in ideal growing conditions.
Known as Hyacinth Orchids or Chinese Ground Orchids, they are native to Japan, Korea, Myanmar, and China. These terrestrial orchids are among the most vigorous and simplest to maintain in the garden. They produce small, cattleya-like, pink, purple, or white flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), in pretty racemes rising artfully above the foliage. Blooming for about 4-6 weeks in late spring to early or mid-summer, the flowers open from the bottom of the raceme and progress to the top for a long-lasting display. Each pseudobulb produces 3-5 upright, pleated, sword-shaped, pale green leaves, adding interest and distinction to the landscape from mid-spring until the frost cuts them down. Chinese Ground Orchids are as attractive in pots and containers as in beds and borders.
They can be grown outside in zones 5 through 9 and should be protected by mulch in winter in the regions where the temperature regularly descends below -4°F (-20°C).
Chinese Ground Orchids prefer sunny or semi-shaded sites and thrive in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. In summer, water them freely, applying a quarter-strength balanced liquid fertilizer at every third watering. Keep them dry in winter.
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
| Genus | Bletilla |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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.
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.
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:
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.
Lui12/Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
| Genus | Bletilla |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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