Pleione Tongariro gx

RHS Plant Profile
Indian crocus Tongariro gx
Alpine Rockery Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

A deciduous perennial, to 15cm in height, developing from rounded pseudobulbs which produce lance-shaped leaves and, in mid- to late spring, rich lilac-pink flowers, 8cm in width, the lip blotched with red

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Pleione are deciduous orchids with pseudobulbs each bearing one or two lance-shaped leaves and mostly solitary flowers to 8cm across, on short stems
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in mid-spring. Grow in sharply-drained, moderately-fertile, leafy, humus-rich soil in a sheltered spot in partial shade. In cold areas, protect from severe weather and winter wet. Can be grown in a shallow container of orchid compost indoors in a cool place. Only water when new growth appears

Propagation

Propagate by division of pseudobulbs

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and mealybugs may be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free