| Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni' (Lipstick Ground Orchid) is a common Ground Orchid of southern Japan and China has white petals suffused with a hint of pink, with the central lip having a pronounced pink glow. This plant has 18 inch tall soft pleated leaves and 2 inch flowers over 6 weeks from spring through early summer. It is easy to grow and hardy to about 20F. It goes dormant in the winter. It has a clumping growth habit and spreads slowly. It will grow in part shade to full sun and makes a good outdoor plant if the ground does not freeze. It can be grown in morning sun and afternoon shade or full shade. In Japan the species is called shi-ran, meaning purple orchid. In China it's known as pai chi but popular gardening references have named this plant the Chinese ground orchid or Hyacinth Orchid. |
