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Bletilla striata Alba Variegata - Hyacinth orchid

Bletilla striata Alba Variegata
Chinese Ground Orchid, Hyacinth Orchid, Hardye Ground Orchid

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The Bletilla striata 'Alba Variegata' is a beautiful hardy garden orchid, one of the few that can be planted in the ground. Its large white flowers in late spring, rising above long variegated plicate leaves, bring lightness and exoticism to partially shaded borders in a cool, well-drained, humus-rich soil. It also looks stunning in a pot or at the edge of a pond.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time May to July
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Description

The Bletilla striata 'Alba Variegata' is a beautiful hardy garden orchid, one of the few that can be planted in the ground. Its large white flowers in late spring, atop long variegated white pleated leaves, bring lightness and exoticism to partially shaded borders, in a cool and 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 garden and hardy species exist. Orchids of the Bletilla genus, 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 stems 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's fertility.

The 'Alba Variegata' variety features pure white flowers, and the foliage is also variegated with white along its margin. It is a bright plant in light shade, reaching about 30 cm in height and width or even more after several years.

Robust, the Bletilla striata 'Alba Variegata' is hardy to at least -15°C, but it has some requirements for proper growth: it first 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, lightly shaded, rich, humus-bearing, and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Full sun is detrimental to it 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'. You can plant it in a pot and at the edge of a pond, as long as the drainage is sufficient.

Bletilla belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which includes over 25,000 species distributed worldwide - making it one of the most prominent botanical families today. While we are more accustomed to seeing orchids growing on bark in warm greenhouses and conservatories, many garden and hardy species exist. Orchids of the Bletilla genus, 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 stems 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's fertility.

Bletilla striata Alba Variegata - Hyacinth orchid in pictures

Bletilla striata Alba Variegata - Hyacinth orchid (Flowering) Flowering
Bletilla striata Alba Variegata - Hyacinth orchid (Foliage) Foliage
Bletilla striata Alba Variegata - Hyacinth orchid (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to July
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 3 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Bletilla

Species

striata

Cultivar

Alba Variegata

Family

Orchidaceae

Other common names

Chinese Ground Orchid, Hyacinth Orchid, Hardye Ground Orchid

Origin

Southeast Asia

Product reference152191

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Planting and care

Plant the Bletilla striata in a rich, humus-rich, light, airy, and well-drained soil. You can improve the soil in your garden by incorporating compost for perennial plants. For optimal results, add 20% lava stone, which will help maintain good moisture in the summer while ensuring good drainage during the winter. More than intense frost, the excess of water in winter proves to be the main enemy of the pseudo-bulbs. Bletilla can also be grown in pots. However, be sure to choose a large container with a minimum diameter of 30 to 40 cm to allow new shoots to develop on the periphery. Water regularly from April to September, then let your plants rest. In winter, in regions with very cold temperatures (-20°C), place your pots in a sheltered, cool (below 5°C), and bright location.

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Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Free-standing, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 6 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil moisture Moist soil, Draining, humus-bearing, and light

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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