Illustration of Bletilla striata in Edward's Botanical Register, Vol. 33 (1847). [Public Domain]
Genus: Bletilla
Common Names: urn orchids, hardy ground orchids (in reference to the commonly cultivated B. striata)
Description coming soon.
Distribution: Eastern Asia
Our Selection
Bletilla striata
Common name(s): hardy ground orchid, Chinese ground orchid
Description: perennial; a low-maintenance terrestrial orchid native to East Asia. Pleated iris-like foliage and summer blooms of purple-pinkish flowers. Performs and blooms best in partial shade (3-6 hours of sunlight) and constantly moist soil. Spreads slowly into a large colony.
Height: to 30 in. Spread: to 3 ft.
Bletilla striata 'Albostriata'
Common name(s): variegated hardy ground orchid, variegated Chinese ground orchid
Description: perennial; Albostriata' is a selected form with variegated white leaf margins. Bletilla striata is a low-maintenance terrestrial orchid native to East Asia. Pleated iris-like foliage and summer blooms of purple-pinkish flowers. Performs and blooms best in partial shade (3-6 hours of sunlight) and constantly moist soil. Spreads slowly into a large colony.
Height: to 30 in. Spread: to 3 ft.
Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shikibu'
Common name(s): hardy ground orchid, Chinese ground orchid
Description: perennial; 'Murasaki Shikibu' is a selected form with pale lavender-blue flowers instead of the typical pink-purple. Bletilla striata is a low-maintenance terrestrial orchid native to East Asia. Pleated iris-like foliage and summer blooms of purple-pinkish flowers. Performs and blooms best in partial shade (3-6 hours of sunlight) and constantly moist soil. Spreads slowly into a large colony.
Height: to 20 in. Spread: to 3 ft.