Overview
Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Pleione, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' 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.
About
Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' is a deciduous orchid cultivar within the Pleione genus, known for its clump-forming habit and pseudobulbs that produce one or two elongated leaves. This cultivar thrives in partial shade with a west or east-facing aspect and prefers sheltered locations. It grows well in well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH. Suitable for alpine rockeries, conservatories, patios, containers, and rock gardens, it requires orchid bark and bright indirect light for cultivation. 'Clare' is hardy to UK zone H3 and is of interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
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 formosana f. nivea 'Clare' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare'
- Propagation
- Division of pseudobulbs
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs, mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare'?
Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' need?
Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' hardy in the UK?
Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Pleione formosana f. nivea 'Clare'?
Division of pseudobulbs.
More in the Pleione genus
- Pleione bulbocodioides 'Yunnan'
- Pleione coronaria
- Pleione maculata 'Arthuriana'
- Pleione pleionoides
- Pleione 'Verdi'
- Pleione Alishan gx 'Mount Fuji'
- Pleione Fuego gx
- Pleione Irazu gx 'Irazu Violet'