Japanese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'First Kiss'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Bletilla striata 'First Kiss' is a terrestrial orchid with graceful, grass-like leaves and delicate, pale pink to white flowers that form attractive, spike-like inflorescences in spring and summer. This cultivar is distinguished by its early blooming period and its charming, soft-colored flowers that add a gentle elegance to shaded garden borders and woodland settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 1-2 inches deep in well-draining soil
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Place in partial shade with indirect light
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch 🌱
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Don't
- Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, compacted soils
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese Ground Orchid questions
What zones can Japanese Ground Orchid grow in?
Japanese Ground Orchid is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese Ground Orchid deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Ground Orchid, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Japanese Ground Orchid bloom?
Japanese Ground Orchid typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Ground Orchid need full sun?
Japanese Ground Orchid does best in part shade.
More Bletilla to compare
Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata
Variegated Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Albostriata'
White Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Alba'
Kuchibeni Bletilla Japanese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni'
Murasaki Shikibu Chinese Ground Orchid
Bletilla striata 'Murasaki Shikibu'
Yokohama Ground Orchid
Bletilla x yokohama 'Kate'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Japanese Ground Orchid with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
