Common Name: Chinese ground orchid
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Orchidaceae
Native Range: Eastern Asia
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Creamy white
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils that do not dry out. Plant pseudobulbs 1-2" deep in spring. Apply heavy mulch in winter in USDA Zones 5 and 6.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Bletilla striata f. gebina is a terrestrial orchid typically growing up to 18" tall which produces a clump of 3-5, papery but rigid, pleated, linear, upright leaves (6-8" long) and an erect, wiry flower stem containing 6 to 10, creamy white, cattleya-like flowers (1-1.5" wide). Blooms in spring for 3-6 weeks. Foliage dies to the ground in winter.
Genus name honors Luis Blet, a Spanish apothecary who had a botanic garden in Algeciras towards the end of the 18th century.
Specific epithet means striped.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Borders and rock gardens. Good container plant, especially for areas north of USDA Zone 5 where it can easily be brought inside in winter.