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Chinese ground orchid

How to identify Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata)

Chinese ground orchid, also known as Hardy orchid, Hyacinth orchid

Chinese ground orchid presents as a terrestrial perennial with a clumping growth habit that slowly expands. It reaches a height of approximately 18 inches (45 cm) and spreads to about 12 inches (30 cm) wide. This plant flaunts soft, pleated leaves and produces eye-catching, magenta-pink flowers, each about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. These blooms grace the plant for a span of 6 weeks during the spring and early summer. The flowers' orchid-like appearance is marked by a downward-facing orientation, contributing to its distinctive look.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese ground orchid

1

Pleated, sword-like leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

2

Magenta-pink, orchid-like flowers, each 2 inches (5 cm) long, held downward.

3

Clumping growth habit, reaching 18 inches (45 cm) in height and 12 inches (30 cm) wide.

4

Flowers bloom in racemes atop up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall naked scapes.

5

Distinctive color range of purplish-pink, deep rose, or white flowers resembling cattleya orchids.

Chinese ground orchidChinese ground orchidChinese ground orchidChinese ground orchidChinese ground orchid

Detailed Traits of Chinese ground orchid

Leaf Features

Chinese ground orchid features 3 to 5 pale green, sword-like leaves, each measuring up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length. The leaves are pleated and fan out beautifully from the pseudobulb. They have a shallow pleating pattern that adds texture and visual interest. The foliage is striking and showy during the growing season, but it dies back in the winter. The leaves' smooth texture and pleated appearance are distinctive and key identifiers for this plant.

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Flower Features

The flowers of chinese ground orchid are small and reminiscent of cattleya orchids, appearing in purplish-pink, deep rose, or white hues. They bloom in racemes atop naked scapes that can reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) in height during spring to early summer. These orchid-like, downward-facing flowers exhibit a delicate and intricate petal arrangement, adding a special appeal to their appearance. Their unique sprays and vibrant colors make them easily identifiable and highly attractive.

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Key Facts About Chinese ground orchid

Attributes of Chinese ground orchid
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 60 cm
Flower Color
Pink
White
Purple
Fruit Color
Brown
Red
Black
Stem Color
Green
Pink
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Chinese ground orchid

Family
Orchid
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Species
Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata)
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Distribution Map of Chinese ground orchid

Chinese ground orchid, naturally occurring in temperate East Asia, thrives across regions characterized by a monsoonal climate. While endemic to this area, chinese ground orchid has been cultivated in other parts of the world, where it adapts well to similar environmental conditions. Its proliferation beyond its native range demonstrates its versatility and ability to integrate into diverse horticultural landscapes.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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