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Bletilla striata 'Albostriata'

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Kemper Code:  S520

Common Name: Chinese ground orchid
Zone: 5 to 9
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Orchidaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Bloom Time: April - May   Bloom Data
Bloom Color: Purple
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

Sources for this plant

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture: Click for monthly care information.

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils that do not dry out. Plant pseudobulbs 1-2" deep in spring. Apply winter mulch in USDA Zones 5 and 6.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

A terrestrial orchid typically growing to 18" tall which produces a clump (usually 2) of papery but rigid, pleated, linear, upright leaves (6-8" long) with distinctive narrow white margins. An erect, wiry flower stem typically containing 6 to 10, rich purple, cattleya-like flowers (1-1.5" wide) arises from the center of the foliage. Blooms in spring for 3-6 weeks. Foliage dies to the ground in winter. This cultivar is a somewhat uncommon white-edged form of B. striata.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses:

Borders and rock gardens. Good container plant, especially for areas north of USDA Zone 5 where it can easily be brought inside in winter.

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