March's Flower of the Month
Chinese Ground Orchid
(Bletilla striata)
Bletilla striata is most likely the only tuberous orchid that is easily grown by ordinary gardeners. Attractive long, thin leaves with longitudinal pleats cover the ground from early spring until frost and add an air of distinction to a shady area.
The most common form has rosy purple flowers, but white and yellow varieties are also available. Flowers look like tiny Cattleya blossoms and have five spreading petals with an undulating, furrowed lower lip.
Chinese ground orchids die down in winter. In spring, seeing them again is like seeing a good friend whom you have not seen in a while. Although it is not evergreen, it holds its place in the garden for about three seasons.
Right Place Chinese ground orchid prefers mostly shade, but morning sun is beneficial. Plant bulbs about four inches apart and a couple of inches deep in organically rich, well-drained soil. Mulch is beneficial and may be snuggled around the stems to help shelter the blossoms which sometimes bloom before the danger of frost is over. Fertilize just as growth begins in spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Continued Care Divide approximately every four years to promote flowering. Remove seed pods and groom to remove unsightly foliage as needed. Best performance is in consistently moist soil.
Other Uses Chinese ground orchid is as attractive in pots and containers as it is in beds and borders. In Vietnam it has been used to treat tuberculosis and pulmonary diseases and to relieve pain from burns. An unidentified compound promotes clotting of blood.
Propagation Division of pseudobulbs is the method home gardeners use to propagate Chinese ground orchid. Fleshy tubers divide each year, so increase is steady.
Kinds The cultivar ‘First Kiss’ has white-edged leaves and white flowers with a flush of purple on the lip. ‘Albo Striata’ and ‘Alba’ have white flowers. The species Bletilla ochracea has yellow flowers.
At a Glance
Say: bleh-TILL-uh stry-AY-tuh
Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
Other names: Hyacinth orchid, hardy orchid, urn orchid
Origin: Japan, China
Zones: 5 (with protection) - 9
Light: Shade (AM sun o.k.)
Water Use Zone: Moderate
Size: 8 to 18 inches tall and wide
Soil: Organic, well-drained, moisture retentive
Salt tolerance: None indicated