Re: Bletilla

Not Frank, Janet, but I'd imagine they could take about full sun in
the UK - mine have more late morning sun and then shade from a
structure (not plants growing over them).  Light shade would do and
morning sun is preferred.  

I've read of their being found in diverse soil conditions in the
wild, but most people seem to have success growing them where they
have good drainage, particularly in winter as the pseudobulbs can rot
if cold and wet.  If summers are dry, mine get watered regularly. 
They do not want to dry out during the growing season.  They also
should not be planted too deeply; they will pull themselves up if
they are as they tend to grow just under the surface of the soil;
maybe half an inch  to an inch of soil over the tops of the
pseudobulbs.

They will increase readily in good soil with a high organic content,
in my experience; they won't do well in poor soil or one that is root
infested from trees and other woody plants.  While some say they
prefer a neutral to alkaline soil, others find that soil pH makes
little difference and that quality of soil and drainage are more
important than pH.  

If your garden is subject to intermittent or late frosts in spring,
you'll need to keep an eye on them and be prepared to cover emerging
shoots - they come up very early where I am and often get nipped if
I'm not prepared.  Late frosts can damage flower buds if they are
that far along, but generally just hit the tips of the emerging
foliage, which then dies back, leaving odd looking leaves all season,
so it's best to protect them if you can, since the foliage is very
handsome when intact.

IMO, these are lovely plants and well worth a bit of extra effort to
keep them from getting frosted.  Foliage stays nice all season and
turns an interesting pale beige after frosts hit in fall.  Seedpods
are decorative in dried arrangements and if you are so inclined, this
is one of the few orchids that can actually be grown from seed in
home conditions with patience and some special handling.  Somewhere,
I have instructions for doing so from someone on one of the lists who
does it regularly.  Passed them on to another friend who had success
using them...I keep meaning to try it, but not getting around to it. 
If you are interested, I can dig them out and post them.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Janet Galpin and Oliver Patterson <decoy.farm@zetnet.co.uk>
> 
> Hi Frank,
> 
> I am just about to order my first Bletilla. Could you say a bit
about
> how easy they are to grow and in what conditions. Any tips? From
what
> you say it sounds as if they bulk up a bit.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Janet G. Lincolnshire, UK

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