About
A deciduous perennial, to 15cm in height, developing from rounded pseudobulbs which produce lance-shaped leaves and, in mid- to late spring, rich lilac-pink flowers, 8cm in width, the lip blotched with red.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationPlant 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 of orchid compost indoors in a cool place. Only water when new growth appears
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of pseudobulbs
Pest resistanceAphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and mealybugs may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free