Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata), aka “Hardy Garden Orchid”, is a terrestrial orchid which produces small, cattleya-like, downward-facing purple flowers. It is indigenous to moist grassy slopes of central China and southern Japan.

Ground orchids produce attractive foliage and showy flowers, that bloom from mid-spring and early summer. The flowering racemes stand approximately 12-18 inches high atop naked scapes (stems). Foliage dies to the ground at the start of winter. White to purple flowers emerge in spring into early summer. Ground Orchids are not classified as invasive. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

Bletilla’s corm-like pseudo-bulbs usually sit at ground level and serve as nutrient storage for overwintering. Each pseudobulb typically produces 3-5, linear, pleated, forms clumps of pleated, pale green, sword-shaped, pale green leaves (to 12 inches long).

Ground Orchids are best grown in organic-rich, medium moist, well-drained soil and in partial shade or early morning sunlight. In southerly zones 6 -9 summers, plants belong in afternoon shade. Plant pseudobulbs 4 inches deep in spring. After flowering, continue to irrigate plants during the growing season. Plants will naturalize over time under ideal growing conditions.

Clumps are not reliably winter hardy in northerly climes (north of USDA Zone 5). Instead, grow Ground Orchids in containers. Dig up garden clumps in late autumn plus container plants and store them in a dry frost-free location for re-planting next spring. Plus, continue to provide moderate moisture to plants for the remainder of the growing season. Propagate by dividing pseudo-bulbs in the fall.

Ground Orchid should be fertilized in early spring at a low rate. No serious insect or disease problems trouble this plant. Slugs and snails are occasional pests. Uneasy about winter hardiness in your area? — pile 2-3 inches of loosely packed leaves over bletillas to protect from cold injury.