FNPS Plant Database
Bletia purpurea
pinepink
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Nomenclature
Common Name:
pinepink
Synonym(s):
Genus species:
Bletia purpurea
Family:
Orchidaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
flower
Size:
1-2 (5 in flower) ft tall by 1 ft wide
Life Span:
long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
pink, rarely white
Fruit Color:
green
Phenology:
winter dormant; blooms in spring
Noted For:
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Retain if present in natural setting. Can be grown in a wildflower garden.
Considerations:
Availability:
Propagation:
Division, seed. Please acquire from orchid growers who are propagating it. This species is Threatened in Florida and is protected in the wild.
Light:
Moisture Tolerance:
Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry
Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray
Soil or Other Substrate:
Organic (muck), Lime Rock
Soil pH:
Suitable to Grow In:
9B, 10A, 10B, 11
USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Ecology
Wildlife:
The flowers do not produce nectar but use food deception to attract various bees including Euglossa, Thygater and Melipona, a genus of stingless bees. In Florida, some plants do not have a rostellum and may be self-pollinating.
Native Habitats:
Pine rocklands, swampy forests on stumps and logs just above high water levels, in humus
Natural Range in Florida:
Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants
Comments:
Ethnobotany:
General Comments:
Citations:
Hammer, Roger. 2018. Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers. Falcon Guides, Guilford, CT.
Osorio, Rufino. 2001. A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida , Gainesville.
Taylor, Walter K. 2013. Florida Wildflowers: A Comprehensive Guide. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.
