Gene and Theresa,

I think more shallow sounds right, more like bloodroot and Solomon Seal. MOBOT said 4 inches, and it just didn’t seem right.

I’m at their northern edge though so, especially in their first year, I’m thinking a good mulch over winter.

The “more light than recommended” also sounds good, being further north.

Gene, the ones you purchased last fall, – what size pot? I’m thinking I should get these potted up pretty soon.

I also ordered a Dactylorhiza fuchsii 'Bressingham Bonus', a really flashy hardy orchid. I just got one as they’re pretty expensive.  Wish me luck on my new adventure into hardy orchids! – and thank you both for your quick response.

Kitty

Kitty.

I have several in the garden, been there for some years. Find they do best with more light than I usually see recommended and well-drained indeed. I transplant mine shallow. I also have 3 new ones in containers I purchased last fall. All are right at surface of medium.

Lots or organic matter worked into the soil where they are growing.

Gene

Gene E. Bush

Shade Garden Correspondent

Speaker-Consultant-Author-Photographer-Gardener

www.shadegardenexpert.com

Hello everyone –

Happy first day of spring!

Question for y’all…

I ordered a 20 bareroot Bletilla striata, Chinese ground orchid, some for in ground and some to pot for sale.

I’m in Zone 5b-6a

I’ve checked many reputable sources for planting depth and get a range of 6 inches to just below surface. That’s a ridiculous range.

Does anyone have experience with these and know a proper depth for my area?

I’m thinking 2-3 inches because I’m at the northern edge of their hardiness, but I don’t want them too deep to bloom.

Suggestions?

I’ve also read that I should wait to plant outside until nights are above 40°F. Sound right? In which case, I’ll pot all of them and then transplant the ones I’m keeping into the ground later.

Kitty

Northeast Indiana Zone5b-6a