Bletilla formosana (Taiwan Ground Orchid)

Bletilla formosana (Taiwan Ground Orchid) is a deciduous terrestrial perennial orchids with arching, linear green leaves, and loose spikes of up to 6 nodding pale-pink or white flowers with lips marked with deep yellow and red spots. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms are borne on wiry stems above the foliage. Arising from pseudobulbs, the foliage remains fresh-looking during the entire growing season before fading and disappearing in the fall.

• Grows in clumps up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm). This beauty will naturalize and spread modestly by creeping rhizomes and by seed dispersal in ideal growing conditions.
• Easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in part shade. After flowering, continue to provide regular moisture to plants for the rest of the growing season. Provide mulch to discourage weed growth and conserve moisture.
• Stunning in beds, borders, rock gardens or containers.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for aphids, glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs.
• To be planted in spring, 6 in. apart (15 cm) and 2-3 in. deep. Divide in early spring
• Native to Taiwan, Japan’s Ryuku Islands, and the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Xizang, and Yunnan.