Overview
Cautleya gracilis is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Cautleya, part of the Zingiberaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cautleya gracilis grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include sub-tropical and flower borders and beds.
About
Cautleya gracilis is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Zingiberaceae (the gingers). It is found in the Himalayas through to south China and Vietnam. It is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant, hardy to a few degrees of frost. It is native to Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal and other regions. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include sub-tropical and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cautleya gracilis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cautleya
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cautleya gracilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cautleya gracilis
- Propagation
- Division of established clumps in late spring, Seed in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails may damage new growth
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cautleya gracilis?
Cautleya gracilis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cautleya gracilis need?
Cautleya gracilis grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cautleya gracilis hardy in the UK?
Cautleya gracilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cautleya gracilis?
Division of established clumps in late spring, Seed in early spring.
More in the Cautleya genus
- Cautleya gracilis 'Crûg Gold'
- Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour'
- Cautleya spicata 'Arun Flame'Himalayan ginger 'Arun Flame'
