If they need some cool temps, I sure have that for them right now. If I decide upon trying some of them, it will just be another one of my "experiments". I do love experimenting.

Yeah, they are lovely but they behave more like a spring flowering bulb than an orchid, I think.

Yes, they do, at least here in NJ.

Ken, hopefully whatever happens tomorrow is mild and heals fast!

Thank you, Ursula.

Mine do essentially disappear in the heat. There are always a few leaves but they look puny compared to their spring glory. They do resemble spring blooming bulbs come to think of it.

Sending lots of good vibes your way Ken.

I had the same experience as Elaine. The looked good for a little while but then the heat kicked in. I only tried them once.

Ken, wishing you a quick recovery.

Jim

Thank you all.

Bletilla were my favorite garden weed in California (Zone 8b) where it was coming up anywhere that was shady and damp. I brought some with me to Reno and planted them last spring. They did great over the summer (afternoon shape, morning sun). I didn't mulch so am waiting impatiently to see how they survived the winter.

Maybe in warmer zones they need a lot of dug in compost and shade to grow. Mine were competing with baby tears and cyclamen. I don't understand why such a rampant grower is so expensive to buy. It's like Helleborus. They are weeds that cost $25 for a 1 gallon pot.

Good luck in your project. I know that when growers bring Bletilla to Orchid shows and sales, they are gone in an instant.

Also Stream Orchids. The native one, Epipactis gigantea. Rampant growers that sell out fast at shows.

Daisy

I've never seen either at local shows and the Epipactis gigantea is native in the hills.

We grow B. striata and B. ochrecea. The striata is very common here and multiplies easily. It's planted in light shade with twice a week watering.The B. ochrecea is grown with just rain and it hasn't multiplied at all but blooms every year. I keep meaning to get more varieties but there far down on my list of wants.