Bletilla striata, or Chinese ground orchid, is an easy-to-grow terrestrial orchid that performs exceptionally well in our area. Completely dormant in winter, Bletilla is just beginning to emerge now and by mid- to late-spring will be covered with small cattleya-like blooms in shades of purple, pink or white. Sword-like pleated foliage 12 to 18 inches tall remains attractive throughout the summer. Bletilla prefers damp (not wet), well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It does best with morning sun (to produce flowers) and afternoon shade in our summers.
Ground orchids grow from corm-like pseudo bulbs that serve as nutrient storage for over-wintering, so continue to provide moisture throughout the growing season. Allow foliage to die back naturally and apply a good organic mulch in autumn. Virtually disease free, although snails and slugs are an occasional problem. Bletilla will naturalize over time, and clumps are easily divided in late winter.
