Pleione is a small genus orchids with common names including peacock orchid, glory of the east, Himalayan crocus, Indian crocus and windowsill orchid.

They are easily grown by the layman, easy to propagate and are among the most popular orchids.

The big, showy flowers are pink to purplish, white or yellow, while the fringed, tubular lip is often paler or white, with yellow, red or purple dots and stripes. The flowers of the mountain species start blooming in spring, while the new shoots develop. The flowers of the orchids, growing in warmer climates, bloom in autumn, when the leaves have dropped.

The species can be grown outdoors in the garden, in the home as a houseplant, or on tree branches, and are well adapted to cold temperatures and frost. They grow in well-drained habitats and on rocks covered with moss.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 6-10 (possibly zone 5)

Height: 20cm, 8"

Location: Sun or part shade

Seeds per packet: Approx 30. The seeds are very tiny like sawdust.