Bletilla striata aka Chinese Ground Orchid

Bletilla striata grows in the ground and belongs to the orchid family. Its common names are Chinese ground orchid and hyacinth orchid. Its home range runs from China to central and southern Japan. It grows on grassy slopes and cool mountain slopes. Records also place it at wood edges and in thickets. This plant lives for years. It grows in soil, not on trees.

Plants form upright clumps that may spread with time. Garden heights range from about 0.7–1.5 feet [0.2–0.46 metres]. RHS gives a top height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. NC State lists a spread of about 0.6–1 foot [0.18–0.3 metres]. RHS gives a spread of up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Plants grow at a medium rate. They reach full size in two to five years. Flat storage parts, called pseudobulbs, look like corms. They store food through winter. Each grows three to five pale green leaves shaped like swords. The leaves feel like paper and have shallow folds. They reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. The leaves die back for winter.

Thin flower stalks stand upright above the leaves. They bear loose flower clusters called racemes. The blooms face down and look like small cattleya orchids. Flowers come in shades of pink and purple, or white. RHS says the pink blooms have a scent. The flower's lip has ridges and stripes. These marks give the species its name, which means striped. Plants bloom from spring into early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms from March through June. The blooms and folded leaves add interest to garden beds.

Give this orchid a sheltered spot with part shade. It needs moist soil with organic matter and good drainage. It cannot grow in ground that stays waterlogged. Keep the soil moist after bloom, through the growing season. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil, including loam. Sources list USDA zones 5–9 and UK hardiness H4. Cold winters may still harm plants. Mulch helps protect them in winter. In colder places, lift the pseudobulbs. Store them dry and free from frost. Plants suit pots, borders, and rock gardens. RHS says to divide clumps in early spring. It says plants need no pruning.

Disease rarely poses a problem. Slugs and snails may harm plants. Under glass, mites and aphids may attack them. Whiteflies and mealybugs may also attack plants there. PFAF lists no edible use or known hazard. This does not prove that every use is safe. Chinese medicine has long used the pseudobulbs to treat wounds and bleeding. PFAF also lists their use in making ink and sizing.