Pleione formosana Alba - Windowsill orchid

Pleione formosana 'Alba' is a rare terrestrial orchid with white flowers, that is easy to grow and delights in gardens.

This beautiful bulbous plant, with rhizomes, develops a 15cm (6in) long leaf, elliptical and folded, of medium green colour. From April to May, 10cm (4in) stems bear solitary 8cm (3in) flowers, white with a trumpet-shaped lip, white speckled with very light yellow and fringed edges.

Native to China and Taiwan, Pleione formosana 'Alba' is semi-hardy. In the ground, this small orchid appreciates a soil that is not too chalky, humus-rich, moist, light, and well-drained, in a semi-shaded or sunny position further north, use mulch or a cloche to protect the bulbs. Pot cultivation is possible.

Pleione formosana 'Alba' adds a poetic touch to pots, shaded rockeries, or in groups at the foot of a tree.

Tip: After flowering, it is essential not to let the soil dry out, as this is when the pseudobulb grows and multiplies.