Orchid, Bletilla 'Variegata', Ground Orchid, The Striped Bletilla

I have had awesome success with this plant just North of Annapolis, MD. When I moved here in 1996, the soil was 90% sand. Bletilla is o...Read Morene of the only plants that actually grew - and even multiplied for the first few years. The only problem I have is that they tend to emerge before the last freeze and about 1 out of every 5 years they freeze before blooming. Plants survive fine. But the display is over if this occurs. Another plus is that the voles only "like" and don't "love" them....so I don't lose to many to the varmints!

This is a variegated cultivar of B. striata.

Flowers April - July

Needs a moist, well-drained, leafy soil i...Read Moren light shade and a sheltered position if growing outside. Prefers a dry winter dormancy and may need a winter mulch in regions that have regular frosts.