Already since February 1996 we do have our Bletilla Striata Alba Orchid, or Chinese Ground Orchids as they're called. They are native to Japan and China. The hyperlink also gives shipping information, for those of you who would want to know. Also there is the Japanese Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni' offered from Plant Delights Nursery, Inc. in a purple lip variety. Both are equally pretty. Ours grow in the wood garden and yes, they are winter hardy as well! We got them from Carroll Gardens, from Westminster, Maryland who unfortunately are no longer in business since June of 2009. They always were an excellent source of rare plants and shrubs with high quality plant material.
Even though it is called 'Alba' it is still showing a hint of purple. This is last year's blossom, photo taken on April 27. Join me on a Garden Tour.
That is their foliage, broad green leaves. We have them next to our Ginger lilies and that foliage is still on the ground. This photo is taken on April 8 and the last photos with the blossoms completely open are from April 12.
A close-up of our teenage Orchids... 15 years old!
April 27, 2010
April 12, 2011
It is a beautiful Orchid and I can only recommend it!
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteYour orchid is so pretty and looks like a frilly blouse. The hint of colour is just gorgeous.
It must be quite hardy as I thought a lot of orchids need to be grown in a hot house or indoors.
Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn
Wow,Dear Maiette,
ReplyDeleteIt's ME,Orchid commenting!!!
You introduce yourself "Our love for gardening, the botanical way...", but it really is amazing to know so many varieties of flowers you have in you garden.
Sure would love to see my own
eyes. Never been to America, ORCHID♡♡♡
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ReplyDeleteWat prachtig Mariette!
ReplyDeleteHele mooie bloemen hoor!
Fijne week wenst je,
Nicole
So pretty! I always have to make sure my flower garden is 'rabbit proof'. My Lilies seem to be the main focus of the rabbits lately. Chomp chomp chomp. ;)
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely flowers you have Mariette!
xo Catherine
I didn´t know this was an orquid variety, we have them here but with a different name which I don´t remember now...
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful! Lucky you to have it and lucky your plant to have your care!
ReplyDelete