Bletilla Striata is a variety of hardy garden orchids that are perfect for beginning gardeners and professionals alike. They come in a variety of colors including yellow, blue, white, and purple. Not only are they easy to plant, they are also easy to grow and are very low maintenance. They are popular among gardeners for several reasons. They can withstand cold, wintery, weather up to -25°C, and require no extra attention during dormant months. They are perfect additions to gardens looking to add color in a semi-shade area, as they prefer indirect, filtered light best. After the flowers open, normally in June or July, the leaves stay all the way through to fall, providing lush, green foliage to enjoy.
Bletilla Striata: the most beautiful Garden Orchid
Once you have ordered your Bletilla Striata garden orchid from Phytesia, you need to prepare the soil for planting. Before planting the rhizome, ensure that the soil that you will be working with is not too heavy, because heavy soil will not drain properly and can lead to rot and disease. If the soil is too heavy, mix in lava stone or a lighter humus-rich soil to aid in drainage and aeration. If you are planning to plant your orchid in a container, line the base of the pot with lava stone and use a light soil to plant in. Our orchids are excellent for both planting in the ground, and for container gardening to decorate a patio. Make sure, however, that the pots you choose are large enough so that new shoots have enough space to grow. Pots for your orchids should be no less than 30-40cm wide.
When your orchids have finished for the season, normally in November, the stems can be cut to 5cm. If you live in an area where winter temperatures reach -20°C to -25°C, you should add mulch on top of the plants to protect them. If temperatures do not drop below -20°C, no protection for your orchids is required. While your garden orchids are dormant, make sure that you do not over water them, especially if you are growing in pots, as too much excess water is very harmful to the rhizomes.
Purchase your Bletilla Striata online
When spring comes again, expect to start seeing new shoots starting in April, and dark green leaves to follow. These hardy garden orchids are extremely rewarding, and add a flare to your garden. Ideal for beginners, these orchids require very little maintenance, and can be left in place during the winter months. They are perfect for semi-shaded areas, and do require filtered light for best results. During the hottest months of summer, make sure that your orchids have enough shelter and ensure that they are never left too dry. For the best results, add potassium-rich manure during the spring and early summer months to encourage a higher yield of blooms, and to increase plant health for the following year.
You can purchase your own Bletilla Striata hardy garden orchids online, at the Phytesia website, and they ship to anywhere in the United Kingdom and Europe. If you live outside this region, please contact them directly for further information.