Overview

Bletilla striata is a orchid in the genus Bletilla, part of the Orchid family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Bletilla striata grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates loamy soils and 6.0-7.0 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to China to Japan.

About

Bletilla striata is a terrestrial orchid that forms low clumps to about 0.4 m and bears magenta-pink flowers from May to July. It grows in loamy, moist but well-drained soil with a pH close to 6.0–7.0 and accepts full sun or partial shade. Best placed in an east or west aspect and given some shelter from exposure. Fully hardy in the UK (H7) and suitable for borders, rock gardens and containers.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bletilla striata

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

In the garden

Bletilla striata is an orchid native across China to Japan, valued for its compact clumping habit and early summer display. Flowering runs from May to July, when the plant produces its signature magenta-pink blooms at around 0.4 m high, making it useful where low, period-specific colour is wanted. Plant it in loamy, moist but well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (about 6.0–7.0). It tolerates full sun or partial shade, but perform best in an east or west-facing situation with some shelter from strong exposure. The UK rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy nationally; the equivalent USDA range is zones 5–8 for gardeners outside the UK. Use Bletilla striata in mixed borders where a compact 0.4 m clump will sit in front of taller perennials, in rock gardens where loamy pockets are possible, or in containers that can be moved to a sheltered aspect. Its bloom period is short but reliable, so position plants where the May to July flowers will be clearly visible from paths or seating areas.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Bletilla

Sunlight

Partial shade, Full sun

Soil type

Loamy

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Bletilla striata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Orchid

Height

0.4 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Rock gardens, Containers

Native to

China to Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bletilla striata

Cultivation

Plant in spring or autumn; prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; mulch in winter to protect from frost

Pruning

Remove dead or yellowing leaves after flowering

Propagation

Division of clumps in spring or autumn

Frequently asked questions