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Alpine RockeryHouseplants

Pleione formosana

windowsill orchid

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

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Red Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
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

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

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