Pleione formosana AGM

Windowsill Orchid Orchidaceae

One of the best and easiest Pleiones for the garden, Pleione formosana is a diminutive terrestrial orchid with an admirably disproportionate floral display. Each rounded pseudobulb produces a solitary, wonderfully large flower in spring, generally pale pink to lilac with a beautifully marked white lip, followed by a single pleated leaf. Native to the mountains of Taiwan and south-eastern China, it has long been a favourite of orchid growers and deservedly holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 

Grow in bright shade or partial shade in a sheltered position, preferably in a shallow pot, trough or sharply drained woodland-style soil. Plant the pseudobulbs with roughly two-thirds above the compost surface—burying them deeply is an excellent way to encourage rot. Keep moist once growth begins in spring, but allow the plant to dry gradually as the foliage dies back in autumn. During winter dormancy keep the pseudobulbs cool and almost completely dry, particularly in pots. The RHS rates it H3, so although surprisingly tough, it benefits from protection from severe frost and winter wet. 

Height: 10–15cm
Spread: 15–30cm
Flowering: March–April
Position: Partial shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and exceptionally well drained
Hardiness: H3 (−5°C to 1°C)
RHS Award: AGM