Bletilla striata 'Yokohama' | Chinese Ground Orchid | Hardy Shade Perennial with Pale Pink Flowers

Bletilla striata 'Yokohama', known as the Chinese Ground Orchid, is a rare hardy orchid ideal for temperate shade gardens. It features pale pink flowers with a golden throat that bloom for up to six weeks in late spring and early summer. This herbaceous perennial grows 12–18" tall and 12" wide, with bright green pleated foliage resembling iris leaves.

Unlike tropical orchids, Bletilla 'Yokohama' thrives outdoors in USDA zones 5–9, returning reliably each year. It tolerates partial shade to full sun and requires moderate watering. Its compact size suits woodland gardens, borders, containers, and collector plantings.

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Bletilla striata 'Yokohama'
• Common Name: Chinese Ground Orchid
• Life Cycle: Herbaceous Perennial
• Flower Color: Pale Pink with Golden Throat
• Foliage: Bright Green, Pleated Leaves
• Mature Size: 12–18" Tall x 12" Wide
• Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
• Light Requirements: Partial Shade to Full Sun
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 5–9
• Characteristics: Rare, Hardy, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Uses

• Woodland gardens
• Shade borders
• Container gardens
• Rock gardens
• Collector plantings
• Cottage gardens

Planting Partners

• Ferns
• Hostas
• Astilbe
• Tricyrtis (Toad Lily)
• Heuchera

Care Tips

• Plant in rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
• Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Prefers partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade
• Remove spent flower spikes after blooming
• Mulch in colder climates to protect rhizomes during winter