Overview
Cautleya spicata is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Cautleya, part of the Zingiberaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Cautleya spicata grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Himalaya.
About the genus
Cautleya is a small genus of perennial plants of the family Zingiberaceae, found in the eastern Himalayas through to China and Vietnam. It consists of two species of high-altitude tropical and temperate plants, native to cool forest areas – an unusual habitat for members of the Zingiberaceae. They are grown as ornamental flowering plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cautleya", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cautleya
In the garden
Cautleya spicata belongs to the Zingiberaceae and originates from the Himalaya. In cultivation it is grown for its summer display, reliably producing flowers between July and September and forming upright clumps to roughly 1.0 m. Give Cautleya spicata a sunny position and a soil that combines sandy and loamy textures so it can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged; the species prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. The plant's listed hardiness is H5, which means it is considered hardy in much of the UK; for gardeners using American zone guidance the equivalent range is USDA 7–10. Use it where a mid-height structural element is wanted in a border or a sunny bed that stays reasonably damp. Allowing soil to remain consistently moist through the growing season supports flowering, while well-drained rooting conditions reduce the risk of rot. Expect upright clumps to reach roughly 1.0 m and to flower from July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cautleya
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cautleya spicata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Native to
- Himalaya
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cautleya spicata?
Cautleya spicata prefers full sun.
What soil does Cautleya spicata need?
Cautleya spicata grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cautleya spicata grow?
Cautleya spicata reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Cautleya spicata hardy in the UK?
Cautleya spicata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
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