Hardy Orchid (Bletilla striata)
(aka Chinese ground orchid)

Hardy to Zone 6
Bloom Time - Spring
Color - Purple
Foliage - Stiff upright blades
Size - 1 - 2 ft. tall
Exposure - Partial sun
Culture - A native orchid of Japan and China that is grown in the ground instead of in trees. Growth comes from small bulbs which form clumps of stiff erect blades of foliage. Flower stalks rise above the foliage and bloom in May. Very easy to grow - plant in early spring in light, humus-rich soil preferably shaded from the hot afternoon sun. Clumps will spread and can be divided in early spring. Do not divide plants too heavily because they bloom best when crowded. Can also be grown in pots but must be taken inside in areas of extreme cold and frost. I have grown mine in the ground for almost ten years now and have never divided them or dug them up. A departed friend from New Orleans gave me this plant almost ten years ago and I am always reminded of him each spring when it blooms. A white variety is also available.

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