Bletilla Coritani - Hybrid orchid

Bletilla 'Coritani' is a primary hybrid of Hyacinth Orchid between the species B. formosana and B. ochracea. Like both its parents, it produces slender flowers in a mix of soft pale yellow and pinkish tones. The labellum is light pink with ruby marbling and a few bright yellow tones towards the tip. This vigorous hybrid produces a clump of glossy green foliage from which large flower stems emerge, adorned with many flowers in early summer, sometimes followed by new flower buds on the same stems. Adapted to a woodland edge type environment, it appreciates non-scorching sun or partial shade in moist, light, humus-bearing soil.

Bletilla 'Coritani' belongs to the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It was raised by Richard Evenden in 1993. Its parent Bletilla ochracea is native to south-central China and Vietnam. It is the only botanical species with yellow flowers among terrestrial orchids. Bletilla formosana is a species native to Taiwan, central China and Tibet, with small growth and small white and pink flowers. Both species, closely related to Bletilla striata, are a little more slender, and the flowers of B. formosana are half the size. The plant develops from half-buried pseudobulbs, resembling tubers that form a 45 cm long arc. From spring, it forms a trailing clump that widens over time, composed of broad, arched and slightly soft leaves. In summer, June-July, depending on the climate, it produces stems bearing small, well-opened flowers, 2.5 cm across at a height of 60cm. The flower consists of 3 sepals and 3 petals, one of which is very different and is called the labellum. It is often this floral part that is remarkable in orchids. The labellum of 'Coritani' is spotted with purplish pink and bright yellow, vivid colours. The deciduous, medium green leaves are beautifully pleated and measure up to 30 cm long by 5 to 7 cm wide. The plant produces seeds that seem to grow into plants identical to the mother plant.

Bletilla 'Coritani' is cold hardy to -20°C and easier to grow than other species, as its planting conditions are less demanding. It is one of those terrestrial orchids suitable for gardeners starting their orchid collection. It needs soil that stays moist, humus-bearing and aerated, in protected, bright spots but sheltered from scorching sun. Its leaves will disappear with frost, but they will regenerate at the start of spring. The rhizomatous rootstock will slowly sucker, forming beautiful clumps. Plant it in light, moist woodland, or even near water features, along with hostas, ferns, brunneras or epimediums. Bletilla can also be grown in pots to enhance your patios, in partial shade; they then need to be stored away in winter in cold climates.