This plant from from southern Japan and China is one of the most easily grown of all orchids with 18 inch tall soft pleated leaves along 2 inch long magenta-pink flowers over 6 weeks in spring and early summer. Clumping, with clumps expanding slowly over time. It is hardy to 15-20° F and is a good outdoor plant where the ground does not freeze. Part shade but can be grown in part to full sun along coast. Water regularly. Tolerates heavy clay soils. Great planted in mass in a moist woodland-style garden or even in a bog garden. Dormant in winter. In Japan the species is called shi-ran, meaning purple orchid. In China it's known as pai chi. But popular gardening references have named this plant the Chinese ground orchid or Hyacinth Orchid. This description is based on research and personal experiences. If you have additional information or disagree with what we list, please contact us with your comments.