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