Bletilla striata, the Chinese ground orchid, is a hardy, terrestrial perennial native to East Asia. It features pleated, sword-shaped leaves and produces delicate, cattleya-like flowers, typically pinkish-purple, on erect stems in late spring/early summer. Known for being one of the easiest orchids to cultivate in temperate gardens.
| KEY PLANT INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Plant Type: | Herbaceous perennial |
| Plant Colours: | Green / Pink / |
| Flowering period: | Summer |
| Mature Height: | 50cm / 1.6ft |
| Light Requirements: | Part shade |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate |
| Cold Hardiness: | Hardy to -10⁰C / 14ºF |
| Difficult: | Easy |
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Bletilla striata is a hardy herbaceous perennial because it’s a terrestrial orchid that survives winter dormancy using underground corm-like pseudobulbs for nutrient storage. Its foliage dies back, but the pseudobulbs endure cold temperatures (down to USDA Zone 5) to sprout new growth annually.
Mature Height
30cm – 50cm
The mature height of Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid) is typically 30 -50cm (1 to 1.6 feet).
Its spreading habit is clump-forming, naturalizing slowly via short rhizomes to create a wider mass of foliage and flowers over time.
Light Requirements
Partial shade
Bletilla striata prefers partial shade or bright, indirect light. Morning sun is tolerated, but it should be protected from harsh, direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. Adequate light promotes better flowering.
Water Requirements
Moderate
The Chinese Ground Orchid (Bletilla striata) requires regular watering during its active growing season to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Cold Hardiness
Hardy to -10ºC
Bletilla striata is moderately cold hardy, typically surviving outdoors in USDA Zones 5-9, though Zone 5 may be borderline.
In colder regions (Zone 5-6), apply a thick layer of organic mulch (like straw or leaves) over the rhizomes after the ground freezes, and ensure soil is well-drained and kept on the dry side in winter. Alternatively, lift the pseudobulbs and store them indoors in a cool, dry, frost-free location.
