Bletilla ochracea Chinese Butterfly Peru The flawless fresh new foliage

The flawless fresh new foliage might go unnoticed by the unobservant gardener but it is produced nevertheless

it emerges late

One of the real treasures in the genus bletilla is the Chinese Bletilla ochracea

Most folks wouldn't recognize it as a butterfly bush

25" flowers dangling from long 8" pedicels (the stalky things attached to the stems)

Bletilla ochracea Chinese Butterfly Peru The flawless fresh new foliageOne of the real treasures in the genus bletilla is the Chinese Bletilla ochracea. Although not as winter hardy as its cousin Bletilla striata, it more than makes up for this with its stunning jewel like flowers. The 30" wispy flower stalks emerge from below ground pseudobulbs and top the iris like pleated leaves from June through August. Each Bletilla ochracea flower stalk is topped with 3 5 small, creamy yellow flowers, each highlighted with a purple