Pleione formosana

<p style="text-align: justify">Exotic-looking orchids in the garden, but you haven't considered them? Yes, it's entirely possible, particularly thanks to the genus <em>Pleione</em>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>Pleiones are semi-hardy garden orchids</strong> that can be grown outdoors in our latitudes if protected from severe cold and winter moisture. These charming flowers are all native to Asia. There are about twenty species, but <strong><em>Pleione formosana</em> is the hardiest and can survive at least down to -5°C</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>The colour of the large solitary flowers varies according to the species and variety</strong>, ranging from pure white to purple-pink, with some also available in shades of yellow. Pleiones are rhizomatous perennials with lanceolate leaves. <strong>Each spring, a single leaf and flower shoot emerge from a pseudo-bulb</strong> which, after flowering, will produce a new pseudo-bulb, thus perpetuating the species.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Pleiones prefer <strong>well-drained, rather acidic soils and a partially shaded position</strong>. They can be grown in <strong>rock gardens, under trees, in miniature gardens, or more simply in pots</strong>. The latter method of growing Pleiones at home has the advantage of being able to <strong>bring your orchids into a cold greenhouse at the first signs of frost</strong>.</p>