Hyacinth orchid (shiran) Bletilla striata
Hyacinth orchid (shiran) (Bletilla striata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to China, Japan, Korea and Myanmar. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Hyacinth orchid (shiran) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Japan, Korea and Myanmar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Hyacinth orchid (shiran) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported; the pseudobulbs are used in Chinese medicine (bai ji).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hyacinth orchid (shiran)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Hyacinth orchid (shiran)
- How far apart should I plant Hyacinth orchid (shiran)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Hyacinth orchid (shiran) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hyacinth orchid (shiran) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hyacinth orchid (shiran)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Hyacinth orchid (shiran) flower?
- From about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hyacinth orchid (shiran) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported; the pseudobulbs are used in Chinese medicine (bai ji).
- What grows well with Hyacinth orchid (shiran)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hyacinth orchid (shiran). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- One of the easiest hardy orchids: pleated leaves and sprays of small magenta orchids in late spring. Mulch the flattened pseudobulbs in cold winters.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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