Alphabetical Plant Listing

Pleione formosana (Windowsill Orchid)

Taiwan Pleione, Windowsill Orchid


Pleione formosana (Windowsill Orchid) is a miniature terrestrial orchid boasting large showy flowers that are almost oversized for this small plant. Blooming in spring, the pale or rose-pink flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), are adorned with a conspicuous lip blotched with red or brown. They arise from a spherical pseudobulb bearing a single lance-shaped leaf. After flowering, the plant continues to develop its foliage before fading and disappearing completely in fall. Windowsill Orchids will naturalize and spread by bulb offsets, forming a charming clump over time. As attractive in pots and containers as it is in rock gardens, it is an excellent orchid for shade garden conditions and woodland gardens.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 6 in. tall and wide (15 cm).
  • Easily grown in sharply drained, moderately fertile, leafy, humus-rich soil in a sheltered spot in partial shade. This plant does not tolerate winter moisture.
  • Pleione Orchids can withstand a minimum temperature of 14°F (-10°C). In cold areas, protect from severe weather and winter wet.
  • A lovely addition to rock gardens, woodland gardens or containers.
  • Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
  • Propagate by division of pseudobulbs.
  • Native to China, Taiwan.

Buy Pleione formosana (Windowsill Orchid)

Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 9
Plant Type Orchids, Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm)
Spread 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 9
Plant Type Orchids, Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm)
Spread 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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