Pleione bulbocodioides (Hardy Orchid)

Family:  Orchidaceae
Zone: 7 - 9
Natural Range: China
Soil:  Moist, humus rich, well drained
Light:  Part sun, open shade
Bloom Time:  April to May
Height: 6" - 8"
Attributes:  Deciduous.  Blooms in spring.  Blooms are large, bright deep magenta flowers frilly lip and dark red spotting in the throat.  Multiple flowers per stem.  Foliage is rounded with deep pleating.
Notes:  These form pseudobulbs above the surface, each new one will replace the previous seasons growth. Mulch with leaves in the fall to protect the exposed pseudobulbs.  Pleiones bloom before the foliage emerges.