Bletilla striata, Chinese Ground Orchid. I noticed our one gallon plants had all sprouted and are showing the beginning of their bloom spikes. Exotic, miniature orchid-like lavender flowers, 6 to 30 per clump on this hardy, easy to grow orchid. Naturalizes. Excellent in containers too. Seems to need some chilling hours. Zone 7-9 with some web sites indicating this beauty will tolerate Zone 6.
Chinese Ground Orchid growing under the climbing roses. Some web sites say these terrestrial orchids need plenty of moisture. This is not our experience in this location of the Antique Rose Emporium as this area receives no regular waterings.With the lack of rain I was certain our plantings would not be seen this year. Mother Nature shows us another survivor.
