Overview
Bletilla is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Bletilla, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Bletilla grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Bletilla, commonly named the urn orchid, is a temperate, terrestrial genus of orchids. The genus currently contains five recognized species distributed through China, Japan, Taiwan, south to Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.
About the genus
Bletilla, commonly named the urn orchid, is a temperate, terrestrial genus of orchids. The genus currently contains five recognized species distributed through China, Japan, Taiwan, south to Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. The name is actually a diminutive of Bletia because of the resemblance between the two genera even though Bletia is a New World genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bletilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bletilla
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bletilla
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Bletilla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bletilla
- Propagation
- Divide in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, glasshouse whitefly, mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bletilla?
Bletilla prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bletilla need?
Bletilla grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Bletilla hardy in the UK?
Bletilla has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Bletilla?
Divide in early spring.