Also known as Chinese Ground Orchid · 123 gardener saves
Bletilla: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Bletilla, the genus most gardeners know as chinese ground orchid. We track 9 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 9 most-saved Bletilla varieties
Of 9 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedChinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata
#2 most savedVariegated Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Albostriata'
#3 most savedWhite Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Alba'
Kuchibeni Bletilla Japanese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni'
Murasaki Shikibu Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shikibu'
Japanese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'First Kiss'
Yokohama Ground Orchid
Bletilla x yokohama 'Kate'
Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla ochracea
Golden Bletilla
Bletilla striata 'Ogon'
How to grow Bletilla
What the Bletilla varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Bletilla year
- MulchNovember100% of varieties
Apply light mulch to retain moisture; refresh before winter
- PlantMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Plant rhizomes in spring or early fall in rich, well-drained soil
- FertilizeMarch–May100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge
- DivideFebruary and March89% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years in spring or early fall
- DeadheadMay and June44% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain tidy appearance
- Spring CleanupJanuary and February33% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage before new growth begins
Do
- Divide clumps every few years to promote healthy growth
- Water consistently during growing season 🌱
- Mulch to maintain soil moisture
- Water regularly to maintain moist soil 🌱
- Provide shade during hot summer days
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
What goes wrong with Bletilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and ragged holes | Apply iron phosphate slug bait |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Bulb rot | Soft, discolored bulbs | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Gray mold | Gray fuzzy mold on leaves and stems | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Bletilla
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Separate rhizomes with a sharp knife
- Plant divisions at same depth as original
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Wait 6 weeks for roots to establish
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering and dry thoroughly.
- Sow seeds on moist, well-draining soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist and place in shaded area.
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks.
Bletilla questions
How many types of Bletilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Bletilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 123 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Bletilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Bletilla covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Bletilla bloom?
Most Bletilla varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Bletilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Bletilla shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Bletilla in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
