Pleione formosana
windowsill orchid
P. formosana is a deciduous perennial to 15cm in height, with globose pseudobulbs, each bearing a single lance-shaped leaf and solitary pale or rose-pink flowers 8cm in width, the lip blotched with red or brown
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- SE China N & C Taiwan
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 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
Get involved
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