Bletilla striata Soryu Blue Dragon - Hyacinth orchid

Bletilla striata Soryu Blue Dragon is a recent and hardy orchid. It is as charming as it is easy to grow in any garden. In spring, it forms large, relaxed clumps of numerous shiny, channelled leaves, from which small purplish-blue typical orchid flowers emerge in late spring stems. This plant is well suited for woodland gardens and thrives in partial shade, in any good, moisture-retaining garden soil.

This new orchid comes directly from Japan, where it was created a few years ago. It has recently been made available for sale. This plant is a blue variety of Bletilla striata. It develops from semi-buried pseudobulbs, resembling tubers, which form an arc of 45 cm (18in) in length. From spring onwards, it forms a trailing clump that widens over time, composed of broad, arching leaves that are somewhat soft. It produces small, open flowers in spring or summer (from May to July), depending on the climate, on stems reaching up to 40 cm (16in) in height. The flowers are a shimmering lavender-blue, highlighted with white. The flower consists of 3 sepals and 3 petals, one of which is quite distinct and called the lip. It is often this floral part that is remarkable in orchids. The lip of Bletilla Blue Dragon is adorned with small white ruffles along its length, on a background marked with darker blue-violet spots. The deciduous leaves are medium green, beautifully plicate, and measure up to 30 cm (12in) in length and 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in width. The plant produces seeds that give rise to plants identical to the parent plant.

This woodland orchid is easy to grow under favourable conditions (humus-rich and moist soil), but it is recommended for experienced gardeners. It adapts well to most climates. It likes sheltered, bright locations, but not direct sunlight. Its leaves will disappear due to frost, but they will regenerate in early spring. The rhizomatous clump will slowly produce suckers to form beautiful clusters. Plant Bletilla Blue Dragon in light, moist woodland areas, or even near water features, alongside arisaemas, ferns, or hostas. Bletilla can also be grown in pots to enhance your patios

, in semi-shade, but they should be protected during cold winters.