Orchid, Chinese Ground

The idea o f growing an orchid out in your garden bed would astound and amaze most gardeners. But since the Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata) thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, it is possible for many gardeners to do just that. Chinese ground orchids prefer well-draining and organic soil, partial shade and regular waterings of at least once a week during the growing season. Chinese ground orchids grow from corm-like pseudobulbs, which are actually modified portions of the plants' stems. Large clumps of three to six slender, pointed leaves spread 1/2 to 1 1/2 feet wide and 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall. The leaves are pleated with some ridges running throughout their length; they're thinly textured and reach about a foot long. One variety (b.s. albostriata) has leaves striped with green and white. Flowering Habits Dozens of small, orchid-like flowers appear above the leaf clumps in pinkish-purple, light pink, white or bluish-lavender. The flowers themselves are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long and grow in clusters of three to five flowers on stems rising about 18 inches. Blooms last about six weeks. Fall Growth Even after the flowers fade, the leaves on a Chinese ground orchid will continue to remain attractive. In early fall, as the weather cools, they begin to turn yellow. Reduce watering at this point and stop altogether when the leaves die. Make a note of exactly where your plant is in case you want to divide it in early spring before new growth starts. Dividing is easy, but the plants actually bloom best when the roots are somewhat crowded.