What is this?

[Ordphien]

Ok... I was walking my cats the other morning. Admiring people's yards.
When I saw this.
I'm nearly positive its some sort of terrestrial orchid.
So here's my questions.
What is it? I'm assuming it's easily available.
How do I care for it?
And how often does it bloom?

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[Ordphien]

Ugh... clicked the wrong button.


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[Ordphien]

What?...
Sorry guys...

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[kevin1217]

Some kind of bletilla

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by kevin1217

Some kind of bletilla

Yup.

[Tim C.]

Bletilla striata - commonly called "Chinese Hardy Orchid." From what I understand, they're hardy up to zone 6 or so, with mulching for the winter frosts, and like sun and water. I've never grown them, but my mentor in college had hundreds of them in his yard (in Virginia). They multiply rapidly, and are supposedly very, very easy to grow.

There are also other species and varieties of Bletilla - from yellowish to pink, and white with purple throats on the lips. I haven't seen the others for sale in big box stores, but Lowe's and Home Depot (both in Virginia and down here in Florida) regularly had the standard purple form in their seasonal bulb section.

-Tim

[greengarden]

That's cool. I'm in a similar climate to you and now I think I know what I'll be putting in a large pot Im planting up!

[RJSquirrel]

ya they sell these often during the blooming season at Home Depot in gallon plastic for about 7 bucks each ....They keep them outside by the way in case you havent gone to look yet

[Ordphien]

Originally Posted by kevin1217

Some kind of bletilla

Cool! Thanks!

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

Yup.

Tahiti!

Originally Posted by Tim C.

Bletilla striata - commonly called "Chinese Hardy Orchid." From what I understand, they're hardy up to zone 6 or so, with mulching for the winter frosts, and like sun and water. I've never grown them, but my mentor in college had hundreds of them in his yard (in Virginia). They multiply rapidly, and are supposedly very, very easy to grow.

There are also other species and varieties of Bletilla - from yellowish to pink, and white with purple throats on the lips. I haven't seen the others for sale in big box stores, but Lowe's and Home Depot (both in Virginia and down here in Florida) regularly had the standard purple form in their seasonal bulb section.

-Tim

I knew it had to be common lol...
I'm excited!

Originally Posted by greengarden

That's cool. I'm in a similar climate to you and now I think I know what I'll be putting in a large pot Im planting up!

You and me both! My garden beds are now going to have orchids! How exciting!
I think the addiction is spreading lol.

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

ya they sell these often during the blooming season at Home Depot in gallon plastic for about 7 bucks each ....They keep them outside by the way in case you havent gone to look yet

I have yet to see then there even though I'm in the nursery section around 3 times a week.
I'm keeping an eye out now though...

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[greengarden]

Quite common on eBay over here so maybe try there