Overview
Incarvillea mairei is a perennial in the genus Incarvillea, part of the Bignoniaceae family. Incarvillea mairei grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and alpine gardens. It is native to China.
About
Incarvillea mairei is a perennial in the Bignoniaceae that flowers in summer between June and August. It comes from China and suits positions in full sun to partial shade. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil that is neutral to alkaline and kept reliably moist but not waterlogged. It is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens and is commonly used in rock gardens, borders and alpine beds.
About the genus
Incarvillea is a genus of about 16 species of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to central and eastern Asia, with most of the species growing at high altitudes in the Himalaya and Tibet. The most familiar species is Incarvillea delavayi, a garden plant commonly known as hardy gloxinia or Chinese trumpet flower. Unlike most other members of Bignoniaceae, which are mainly tropical woody plants, species of Incarvillea are herbaceous perennial plants from temperate regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Incarvillea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Incarvillea
In the garden
Incarvillea mairei is a perennial member of the Bignoniaceae native to China. As a garden plant it is valued for its summer flowering season, which runs from June to August. Position the plant in full sun or partial shade and give it well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Keep soil moisture moderate rather than persistently wet; good drainage is important. The UK hardiness rating H5 translates to a hardy plant that can be grown outdoors in most UK situations where soil does not remain waterlogged over winter. Maire's hardy gloxinia suits rock gardens, alpine beds and mixed borders where a summer-flowering perennial is required. Plant where its flowering period will be visible from paths or seating areas to make the most of the June–August display. Regularly check drainage in heavy soils and avoid siting where water accumulates over winter to preserve the crown through the dormant season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Incarvillea
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Incarvillea mairei size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, alpine gardens
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Incarvillea mairei
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Incarvillea mairei?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Incarvillea mairei?
Incarvillea mairei prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Incarvillea mairei need?
Incarvillea mairei grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Incarvillea mairei?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering.
Is Incarvillea mairei hardy in the UK?
Incarvillea mairei has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Incarvillea mairei?
Seed, division.
More in the Incarvillea genus
- Incarvillea mairei 'Bees' Pink'
- Incarvillea mairei 'Frank Ludlow'
- Incarvillea mairei 'Nyoto Sama'
- Incarvillea olgae
