Overview
Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Cautleya, part of the Zingiberaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour' 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 'Purple Splendour' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Cautleya genus, known for its columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. This plant thrives in partial shade with a west- or east-facing aspect and prefers a sheltered position. It grows best in moist but well-drained loam soil, tolerant of acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for sub-tropical flower borders and beds. The cultivar flowers in spring and summer, contributing to seasonal interest in the garden.
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 'Purple Splendour' 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 'Purple Splendour'
- 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 'Purple Splendour'?
Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour' need?
Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour' 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 'Purple Splendour' hardy in the UK?
Cautleya gracilis 'Purple Splendour' 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 'Purple Splendour'?
Division of established clumps in late spring, Seed in early spring.
More in the Cautleya genus
- Cautleya gracilis
- Cautleya gracilis 'Crûg Gold'
- Cautleya spicata 'Arun Flame'Himalayan ginger 'Arun Flame'
