Bletilla
Terrestrial Orchid
This nontemperamental terrestrial orchid debuts lovely Cattleya-shaped flowers with wide open mouths and finely pleated floral pouches. Perched on slender stems, the luxe blooms adorn a cold-hardy medium green clump of attractive, ribbed Iris-like leaves that slowly spread by tuberous rhizomes. Bletilla adore dappled shade, heavy winter mulch and evenly moist, well-drained sites, while withstanding occasional drought.
‘Alba Variegata’s claim-to-fame is the delicate pearl-colored flowers, whose tips are blushed with subtle mauve shades, plus its broad blade-like leaves that are embellished with creamy white margins and interior streaks. Steeped in ornate elegance, 3 to 7 luminous flowers gather on slender stems above an undemanding artful stand of variegated foliage.
Blooms April–July
Size: 15" – 2' 0" high x 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 6.
Discovered years ago in Japan’s Wakayama region and plagued by rumors of being too temperamental, this chic seed-grown terrestrial Orchid is easy to grow, but still hard to find. The appealing medium green clump hosts enchanting blue-violet blossoms that are a beacon of sophistication for containers or jewel box plantings. Bletilla adore dappled shade, heavy winter mulch and evenly moist, well-drained sites, while withstanding occasional drought.
Blooms April–July
Size: 15" – 2' 0" high x 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 6.
