Photo of Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni' flower by Little Prince of Oregon

Photo by Little Prince of Oregon

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni'

Also Known As

  • Purple Lip Hardy Ground Orchid

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, orchid

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 12"-48"

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni' plant details

Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber or orchid with green foliage. In spring and summer purple and white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni'

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber or orchid
Plant family: orchidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 48 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, rock garden, showy, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bletilla striata ‘Kuchibeni’ features clumps of lovely white flowers with lavender lips, displayed on tall stalks. Kuchibeni actually means ‘amazing lipstick’ in Japanese. The leaves are broadly ribbed and iris-like. Very hardy and easy to grow.
Bletilla striata is an easy terrestrial orchid native to China and Japan. 'Kuchibeni' has light pink, cattleya-like flowers in groups of three to seven on stems rising to 18 inches tall. The leaves are arching, broad and grass-like. Best in part shade in evenly moist, well-drained soil.
Plant sends up prolific flowering spikes up to 3’ and covered in beautiful glowing Lilac colored flowers, Bletilla is one of my favorite orchids hands down. Hardiness Zone 6 – 10.
Blooms: spring-summer, light magenta, dark throat outlines/ strap like foliage Zone 6-9. 12"-24", China, part shade-sun, moist, well drained
A Japanese selection epitomizing the refined nuances of art and beauty all in a little hardy terrestrial orchid. That is so Japanese! No stereotyping but they do have some things well and truly figured out. Kuchibeni is lipstick and the white pleated flower pouch is rimmed in pink.
Two-toned light pink-purple and white flowers tip long arching, wiry stems on this beautiful hardy ground orchid. Medium green pleated lance-shaped leaves look lush in the garden.

Gardening facts about Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni' plant

How to Grow Bletilla striata 'Kuchibeni'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy
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