Bletilla Penway Paris - Hyacinth orchid

The 'Penway Paris' Bletilla is a beautiful, hardy terrestrial orchid, one of the few that can be planted in the ground. Its large lilac flowers, abundant in late spring, rise above long pleated leaves and bring lightness and exoticism to partially shaded borders in cool, well-drained, humus-bearing soil. It is also stunning in a pot or at the edge of a pond.

Bletilla belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which includes over 25,000 species distributed worldwide - making it one of the largest botanical families today. While we are more accustomed to seeing orchids growing on bark in warm greenhouses and conservatories, many terrestrial and hardy species exist. Did you know that there are over 160 species in mainland France alone? Bletilla orchids, native to evergreen high-altitude forests in China, produce lanceolate light green leaves, which are pleated, slightly arched, with prominent veins, measuring 35 cm long and 5 cm wide. Between May and June, slender spikes emerge, bearing several large flowers. They are typical of the family, with a large central petal modified into a "tunnel" called the labellum. It spreads slowly through short rhizomes, eventually forming a more or less sparse clump depending on the soil fertility.

The 'Penway Paris' variety crosses Bletilla striata and B. szetchuanica, another taller and more delicate species. Their hybrid, robust, numerous beautiful lilac-toned flowers with a darker labellum are peculiarly distributed on both sides of the stem, whereas they are on the same side in B. striata. It thrives in bright shade and can reach about 50 cm in height and width under favorable conditions.

Resilient, the 'Penway Paris' Bletilla is hardy down to at least -15°C, but it has some requirements for proper growth: it requires a perfectly drained soil; if water does not drain well during winter, the rhizomes can rot. It particularly appreciates woodland conditions, meaning a cool, partially shaded or lightly sunny, rich and humus-bearing, and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Full sun is detrimental as it damages the foliage. The plant completely disappears during winter and emerges quite late, so mark its location to avoid an unfortunate spade blow! In colder regions, it is advisable to mulch the stump for protection.

You can create an exotic-looking border by combining it with other perennials such as Asian Epimediums (Epimedium davidii, E. 'Amber Queen', E. 'Domino'...), Arisaema, Saruma henryi, ferns like Dryopteris sieboldii or Athyrium 'Pewter Lace', all at the base of trees like Acer griseum, Magnolia delavayi or Aralia elata 'Silver Umbrella'. It can be planted in a pot and at the pond's edge, as long as the drainage is sufficient.