Overview

Pleione coronaria is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Pleione, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pleione coronaria grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and rock garden. It is native to Nepal.

About

Pleione coronaria is a clump-forming orchid from Nepal that flowers in the UK from April to June. It carries deciduous foliage and is suited to alpine rockery culture or cultivation under glass. Plants perform best in partial shade on well-drained loam or sand with an acid to neutral pH. It prefers a sheltered, east- or west-facing position.

About the genus

Pleione is a small genus of predominantly terrestrial but sometimes epiphytic or lithophytic, miniature orchids. This genus is named after Pleione, mother of the Pleiades, and comprises about 20 species. Common names of this genus include peacock orchid, glory of the east, Himalayan crocus, Indian crocus and windowsill orchid.

Wikipedia contributors, "Pleione (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pleione (plant)

In the garden

A member of the Orchidaceae, Pleione coronaria originates from Nepal and is grown for its spring display; flowering occurs from April to June. The plant forms small clumps and has deciduous leaves, making it appropriate for specialised alpine and greenhouse culture rather than open, exposed borders. Give Pleione coronaria partial shade and a free-draining medium such as loam mixed with sand, keeping soil pH on the acid to neutral side. It requires a sheltered aspect, ideally east- or west-facing, where bright but indirect light prevails. Its UK hardiness is H3 (borderline hardy), so provide winter protection in colder districts or cultivate in pots that can be moved into a conservatory or greenhouse for the coldest months. Use it in an alpine rockery where drainage is guaranteed, on patios and in containers, or under glass in a conservatory or greenhouse. Position containers so the April–June flowers are easily viewed at close range and can be checked for moisture without disturbing the roots frequently.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pleione

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Pleione coronaria size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Native to

Nepal

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pleione coronaria

Propagation

Division of pseudobulbs

Pest resistance

Aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs, mealybugs

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions