Bletilla orchids

Bletilla is a small East Asian genus of around five species, grown predominantly as hardy garden perennials in temperate climates. The best-known species, Bletilla striata, comes from China, Japan, and Korea and has been cultivated in gardens for centuries. Plants grow from corm-like pseudobulbs, produce pleated leaves in spring, send up short spikes of cattleya-like magenta or white flowers in late spring, and die back to the corms for winter dormancy.

Bletillas are outdoor garden plants rather than greenhouse or windowsill orchids. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 with appropriate mulching, tolerate a surprising range of conditions, and propagate readily by division of the corms.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): part shade to dappled morning sun, moist but well-drained soil with organic matter, regular watering during the growing season, dry during winter dormancy. Plant pseudobulbs two to three centimetres deep in spring. Mulch over winter in colder zones. Occasional division every three to four years keeps the clump vigorous.

Species and cultivars include Bletilla striata (the standard magenta form), Bletilla striata 'Alba' (pure white flowered), Bletilla ochracea (pale yellow), Bletilla formosana, and various hybrid selections. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.