Bletilla striata alba * White Chinese Ground Orchid

Bletilla striata alba is garden hardy. I was skeptical of the idea but some orchids can grow in the ground, and quite well at that. The survival factor is much higher with well drained soil but Bletilla can handle a moderate amount of summer water. Winter in our area is unlikely to be a problem, Bletilla striata alba is hardy to well below zero. Bletilla striata alba blooms in the early Spring for about 6 weeks. This clump will have upwards of 50 white flowers open at any time during that period. Bletilla striata alba is about a foot tall. I have seen Bletilla striata alba growing in the sun, but my most successful plantings have been in an area with strong light that was protected from the mid-day sun. The wild plants of Bletilla striata are purple.