Origin:  Native to east Asia
Family:  Orchidaceae
Light:  Part sun
Height:  16-20"
Spacing:  2'
Blooms:  Exotic, pale blue with darker lip, mid-Spring
Foliage:  Variegated, veined, smooth
Soil:  Well-drained, moist, rich, organic, acidic, neutral
Water:  Moderate, reduce  in Winter
Fertilizer:  Well-balanced, Slow Release, in Spring
Propagation:  Seeds, corm/offset division
Uses:  Border, walkway, container
Insects/Disease:  Watch for slugs/snails

Comments:  Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shikibu' or Chinese Ground Orchid 'Alba' is a hardy terresterial plant with a fast spreading growth habit.  It is a native of east Asia.  In mid-Spring, Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shikibu' produces exotic pale blue flowers with darker lip.  It is easily propagated from seeds or corm or offset divisions and thrives well in well-drained, moist, organic rich soil in a part sun environment.  Murasi Shikibu Chinese Ground Orchid is low maintenance.  It self sows readily and will produce flowers in 2 to 3 years.  Mass plant Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shkibu' in borders or along walkways for a delightful show.  It can also be container cultivated for indoors.  Murasaki Shikibu Chinese Ground Orchid is unique and attracts a lot of attention. It is popularly cultivated for its ornamental beauty. 

The Chinese find the corms of Bletilla striata very useful in traditional herbal medicine and have been using the dried corms in grounded power form to treat bleeding and swelling of the stomach, lungs and liver including blood clots, coughs, ulcers, burns and various lung diseases.   

USDA Zones:  6-10