Urn Orchid

Bletilla striata

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Orchidaceae
Genus:
Bletilla
Species:
Bletilla striata
USDA Symbol:
BLST

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
45 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple, white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers humus-rich soil in shaded areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Orchid seeds require symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi for germination in nature. Asymbiotic germination possible in sterile laboratory culture.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * sow in moist compost as soon as seed is ripe; include soil from an established plant to provide symbiotic fungi

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society