Pine Pink Orchid (Bletia purpurea)

Pine Pink Orchid                    Bletia purpurea   

Description:  A ground orchid with few 1-2’ tall leaves, and flower spikes 3+ ft tall, bearing ¾” flowers of varying shades of pink or purple. Blooms periodically from winter to early summer. Relatively slow growing, especially the first year or two post-planting, thereafter responds well to sun, soil moisture, and fertilizer.

Natural Habitat:  Wet prairies, swamps, mesic or hydric pinelands.

Planting and Care: Keep soil reasonably moist, and especially avoid prolonged drought. Full sun best, but will bloom in partial shade. Will tolerate occasional flooding. Not salt-tolerant. Does well with orchid fertilizer diluted to ¼ to ½ recommended strength, applied to ground or as spray. May lose its leaves completely prior to sending up flower spikes.

Pros:  Beautiful orchid flowers.

Cons: May die if subjected to prolonged lack of water early on.

LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER - orders for more than one will be adjusted