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

native to alkaline regions of southern Thailand and western Malaysia

The narrow tip of the flower pitcher (spathe) folds over on itself

The thick leaves have a frosted gold appearance and a dramatic dusty white back (from the H

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