The garden orchid (Pleione Tongariro) is one of the few orchid species that can be planted in the ground. This Asian orchid produces large bright pink flowers with a white center and a mottled lower lip. The tuber of this orchid is capable of producing several stunning flowers and usually one wavy leaf. Growing only 15 to 20 centimetres tall, presented orchid attracts attention at first sight. Flowers of this species take on disproportionately large size in relation to the plant itself. This phenomenal plant can grow in an unheated greenhouse or at home, where it should occupy a windowsill with an eastern or northern exposure. In Central Europe you can even grow Pleione Tongariro in the garden, preferably in a rockery imitating the mountainous regions it comes from. Containers filled with low, lush orchids constitute an exotic decoration of a balcony or terrace.

Growing garden orchid requires some effort, but this tropical beauty is itself a great reward. This type of plant requires fertile, well-drained soil. It feels good at bright, not to warm, places, but partial shade provides it with optimal growth conditions. Tubers of of the Pleione orchind should be planted in spring, either directly in the garden or in an openwork container that you then bury in the soil during the summer. It allows you to dig up the plant easily in autumn and move to a cool, bright room. You can also choose to leave it on the flower bed under a thick layer of winter covering. Apart from that, Pleione Tongariro needs protection from rainfall. This cultivation method requires transplantation of the orchid every year. Separate young bulbils during transplantation.

One package contains seedling of the garden orchid Pleione Tongariro. Packaging label contains essential plant information and a quick growing guide.

• Variety: Tongariro
• Use: ornamental - garden, pots
• Flower colour: pink with white centre
• Vegetation form: perennial
• Foliage: one wavy leaf
• Site: warm, partial shade; fertile, well-drained soil
• Bulbs: 1
• Height: 15 to 20 cm
• Wintering in the ground?: no