The Garden Community for Garden Lovers
 

West Somerset, England

Has anyone ever grown Bletilla striata, please - I'd be grateful for any information about its hardiness, the best planting position etc. Thanks.


On plant Bletilla striata


Answers

 

I haven't grown it, but did google it - apparently likes moist but well drained soil, and isn't hardy, so should be brought into shelter for the winter.

1 May, 2011

 

I grow them with afternoon shade, here in the desert, but that probably won't be needed in England. It is hardy to about -9.4º C, so it should be hardy in part of the UK, but I don't know about your particular area. Just in case, you may want to grow it in a 25 cm pot that can be plunged into the garden in spring, and taken up and left in the garage over the winter. The flowers are small, so I would place it in a raised bed, or large container, to bring it closer to eye level. The foliage is attractive all summer, so it is compatable with many other flowers or foliage plants.

2 May, 2011

 

I bought 3 a couple of years ago. Planted them in a small cluster. They leafed up beautifully last year, but no flowers. The OM's wild orchids in his field and bog, did the same. So I put it down to the warm weather we had that started them off, but a cold snap stopped them in their tracks. Haven't seen them yet this year.

2 May, 2011

 

Thanks, all. I was wondering if a mound of compost over it in the winter would be adequate protection. I've planted it in dappled shade as suggested on the label (which says 'hardy'!) and on a website I found. Fingers crossed now!

2 May, 2011

 

I was surprised at the info I found, Spritz, since I could have sworn that the labels mine came with, decades ago, said that they were hardy to USDA zone 7, which has winters down to -17.8º C. That's what I get for swearing, I suppose! : )

3 May, 2011

 

I'm going to leave it in, Tug, and mound over it, I think. I already have to bring so many plants into the greenhouse, I run out of room!

4 May, 2011

How do I say thanks?

Answer question

Related photos

  • Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata (Bletilla))
    Homebird
  • Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata)
    Tasteyg
  • Bletilla Striata looking promising. (Bletilla striata (Bletilla))
    Homebird
  • Bletilla (Bletilla striata)
    Tommymoo

 


Not found an answer?