Bletilla

Hardy Orchid is a genus of five species of terrestrial, herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). The genus is native to Southeast Asia. The genus name honors Luis Blet, a Spanish apothecary who had a botanic garden in Algeciras, Spain, towards the end of the 18th century.

The genus has a reputation as the easiest orchid for a beginner to grow. Hardy Orchid does best in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Where the summer days are hot, some afternoon shade is essential. It is often grown in beds, borders, or pots. Plant corm-like pseudobulbs on the surface of the soil or in pots. After flowering, continue to provide regular moisture until the leaves die down. This plant may not be winter hardy at USDA zone 5 and above and needs to be mulched in winter in colder climates. It will naturalize over time in optimum growing conditions by short rhizomes.

The plant's pseudobulbs resemble corms and usually sit at ground level. The white to purple flowers emerge from the center of the year's new growth in spring and early summer. The inflorescences have slender stems and attractive blossoms that often open successively.

Use in containers, along walkways and in Asian and rock gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for aphids, white flies and mealy bugs.