Illustration of Bletilla striata in Edward's Botanical Register, Vol. 33 (1847). [Public Domain]
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Genus: Bletilla
Common Names: urn orchids, hardy ground orchids (in reference to the commonly cultivated B. striata)
A genus of only five species often considered to be some of the easiest orchids to grow in cultivation. Bletilla species typically grown in temperate climates and in soil (as opposed to on trees or decaying matter) and are thus well-suited for outdoor cultivation in many temperate-climate gardens. There are several cultivars of B. striata and B. ochracea commonly cultivated as ornamentals. B striata is also used in some traditional Asian medicines.
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 consistently moist soil. Spreads slowly into a large colony.
Height: to 30 in. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: partial shade and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, traditional Chinese medicine
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Distribution: China, Korea, Central and S. Japan
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 consistently moist soil. Spreads slowly into a large colony.
Height: to 30 in. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: partial shade and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, traditional Chinese medicine
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
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 consistently moist soil. Spreads slowly into a large colony.
Height: to 20 in. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: partial shade and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, traditional Chinese medicine
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
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