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