Bletilla striata Rose - Chinese Ground Orchid

Bletilla striata Rose, also known as the Hyacinth Orchid, is a true garden terrestrial orchid, quite charming and relatively hardy under most of our climates. It blooms for 1 month in early summer, with loose spikes of small pink petals surrounding a white labelle striped with pink-purple. The flowering dominates a beautiful clump of large light green leaves, somewhat reminiscent of gladioli. The plant spreads slowly and naturalizes easily where it is happy, in partial shade or morning sun, in a moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil.

The Hyacinth Orchid, also known as Bletilla hyacinthina, is a geophytic herbaceous plant with flattened pseudobulbs belonging to the orchid family. It is native to Japan, China, and Tibet. The plant produces young shoots from April onwards that unfold into a bouquet of long, oblong to lanceolate, pleated leaves, about thirty centimetres long. In June-July, violet-tinted flower spikes appear, bearing 6 to 10 flowers, 3cm (1in) in diameter. Each flower consists of 4 lilac-pink petals surrounding a tubular rose lip, with a white throat striated with the same pink. After blooming for about a month, the flowers disappear, while the foliage persists until November. The plant then enters dormancy until spring. The plant easily multiplies by the formation of pseudobulbs, eventually forming beautiful clumps. Unlike the majority of other species, this orchid does not seem to live in symbiosis with a specific fungus, which makes it easy to establish in the garden.

A little gem for enthusiasts of original plants, this Bletilla is easy to grow under favourable conditions (humus-rich and moist soil), making it suitable for experienced gardeners. It can be used in borders, cool rockeries, woodland areas, or even in pots. In a woodland setting or near a pond, it can accompany hostas, Trilliums, Solomon's Seals, and ferns. It adapts well to both humid climates and the warmer regions of our country, where regular watering will be necessary. It will thrive in the shade of low-growing shrubs such as cotton lavenders, 'Otto Luyken' laurels, boxwoods, or Tarentum myrtles. A carefree plant, it will impress visitors who are convinced that growing an orchid is a professional affair!

Superb clumps of pink Bletilla are naturalized in the Albert Kahn garden in Boulogne-Billancourt.