Growing Chinese Ground Orchid

Botanical Name:

Bletilla striata

Life Cycle:

perennial rhizome

Planting Time:

winter through spring

Height:

12"

Exposure:

full sun to semi-shade

Soil:

rich, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Bloom Time:

spring

Flower:

a variety of colors including clusters of white, pink or purple; bell-shaped and fragrant

Foliage:

green, long and narrow with lengthwise pleats

Propagation:

rhizomes

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, cut flowers and decorative container plants

Growing Hints:

Plant rhizomes 4 inches deep and space them about 6 inches apart. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks during growing period, and after flowering let them die back naturally. In the fall, zones 6 and north can leave bulbs in the ground. Cooler zones need to bring bulbs in and store them over winter. Plants can be propagated in the fall or spring by dividing clumps of pseudo-bulbs.

Interesting Facts:

Chinese ground orchids are native to China, Japan, and Taiwan.