Home
What's New?
Reader's Stories
The Basics
Flower Garden Ideas
Flower Garden Design
Flower Garden Plans
Planting & Care
Container Gardening
Gardening Herbs
Indoor Gardens
Gardening Tips
Landscaping Ideas
Garden Supplies
Annual Flowers
Perennials
Flower Bulbs
Seeds
Garden Catalogs
Gardening with Kids
Flower & Garden Shows
Gift Ideas
Arts & Crafts
Party Ideas
Reader's Tips
Tropical Gardening

[?] Don't miss out, subscribe to this site now!

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

 

You Have to Love the Bletilla

Bletilla orchids are so beautiful. They come in a variety of colors and most of them are quite hardy. Some do however need to be protected against the frost. In nurseries they are commonly called Chinese Ground Orchids, or simply Hardy Orchids.


This type of flower is perfect for the beginner who is just starting out planting orchid plants because it is pretty easy to grow when compared to tropical flowers . They grow best in hardiness zones 5 to 9.


How to Plant Them In Your Flower Garden

Hardy orchids grow best in partial shade. They require rich soil that is kept moist, but is well draining.

The mature plants will grow to be anywhere from ten to fifteen inches tall.

The bulbs need to be planted approximately four inches deep. In cold climates, you might consider planting them a little deeper if you don't intend to bring them inside during the winter.

They will grow best if they are spaced about six inches apart. You can expect blooming as early as June, but sometimes they don't bloom until July.

If your flower garden is looking crowded, it may be time to divide the bulbs. It is best to do that in early spring for this type of plant.

Growing them Indoors

These plants grow well in indoor gardens or as houseplants. Just like they do in the outdoors, they grow best in partial shade so in an indoor garden indirect sunlight is best.

They can be planted in a container using regular potting soil, while other orchids require a special mix.

Do make sure that your container drains properly. The depth of planting will be approximately four inches. Water the plant from time to time to keep the soil moist.



If you have grown these, please share your experience and photos.

Return from Flower Garden Lover Home Page


footer for bletilla page