Bletilla ochracea:
Z 6-9 The blooms are similar to Bletilla striata aurea but this is a rare species orchid rather than a hybrid.
Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid): Z 6-9 This is a striking terrestrial orchid from Japan and China. This variety has a magenta bloom, which resembles a cattalaya like flower. The deciduous corn-like foliage adds an interesting background to the bright flower spikes. All Bletilla orchids thrive in moist but well drained loamy soil. A very easy cold tolerant and showy orchid.
Bletilla striata aurea: Z 6-9 This is a great hybrid with Pink petals and spotted red with yellow, and white on the throat.
Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shikibu': Z 6-9 This new hybrid Bletilla grows just as easy as other Bletillas, and has blue flowers. No collector should be without.
Bletilla penway dragon: Z 6-9 The blooms will typically have purple or pink petals with a white lip, pink margins and spots
Bletilla alba: Z 6-9 This is a variant white form which occasionally has shades of pink.
Hardy orchids for the garden
The key for nearly all hardy terrestrial orchids is light soil with aeration and good drainage. Some soil mixes are almost pure grit with less organic material. In cultivation it is better that the soil is well drained even if it means watering more often. Each year the rhizome will send out new plants and the clump will continue to get larger, which means more blooms every year. In the garden Cypripediums benefit from leaf mold along with leaf and organic rich mulch in the winter. This will take the place of fertilizer, however, Cypripediums planted in organic deficient soil benefit from a mild organic fertilizer. When the natural system in your garden is in balance the plants do best when left undisturbed. That being said, orchids are quite adaptable to cultivation and are not difficult. Finding out what works for you with experimentation is always key.
Woodland conditions generally mean organic rich soil with decaying debris, well drained soil, shade to part shade. Just because you do not live in a woodland does not mean these plants will not be able to grow. Soil amendments are used to simulate what nature would have provided.
Plant hardiness zones are based from the USDA zonal system.
