Bletilla

( bleh - TILL - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

These plants, commonly called Urn Orchids, Hardy Orchids, or Chinese Ground Orchids, are terrestrial orchid flowers that are native to China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. These flowers grow from pseudobulbs that sit at ground level, each producing a few leaves and in spring and early summer, flower stems with multiple blooms emerge. Bletilla plants appreciate partial shade and regular waterings, especially during their active blooming and growing periods. These are great natural companions to wildflowers and ferns, adding beautiful foliage and flowers to mixed beds and borders.

Bletilla Species and Varietals

The genus Bletilla is a member of the plant family Orchidaceae and includes five species. Growing zones vary somewhat depending on the species; for more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Bletilla ochracea (Chinese Butterfly Orchid)
This species is native to Vietnam and China, and produces beautiful cream to peach-colored flowers with magenta, red, orange, and yellow markings. Varieties include 'Oriental Gold' (with whiter flowers than the species), 'Terracotta Warrior' (with pinkish-mauve flowers), and 'Chinese Butterfly'.

Bletilla striata (Hyacinth Orchid, Chinese Ground Orchid)
Native to Japan, Korea, Myanmar, and China, this species produces purple to magenta-colored flowers that last for about six weeks in springtime. It is a hardy orchid species, able to withstand temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Varieties include 'Alba' (with white flowers), 'Murasaki Shikibu' (with bluish lavender flowers), and Bletilla striata albostriata (with leaves striped with green and white).

Caring for Bletilla

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Bletilla
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 198, Bletilla striata
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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