About

Incarvillea mairei 'Bees' Pink' is a cultivar of Incarvillea in the Bignoniaceae, an herbaceous perennial that flowers in the UK from June to August. The genus originates from temperate high-altitude regions of central and eastern Asia, where many species grow in mountain habitats. Unlike most Bignoniaceae, Incarvillea species are non-woody perennials adapted to cooler conditions. 'Bees' Pink' is valued for its mid-summer flowering display within that seasonal window.

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 'Bees' Pink' belongs to the genus Incarvillea in the family Bignoniaceae and traces its lineage to temperate, often high-elevation parts of central and eastern Asia. Members of the genus are herbaceous perennials rather than the woody climbers typically associated with the family, so expect a non-woody, seasonally renewing plant habit that produces its flowers in the UK between June and August. Planting should reflect the genus’s mountain heritage: position in a spot that avoids persistent winter water and gives some shelter from the coldest exposure. A free-draining soil mix and a sunny or partly sheltered situation suit the temperate tendencies of the group, while summer flowering will be at its best where the plant receives a good amount of light during the growing season. Do not rely on heavy, waterlogged ground through the winter months. In the UK garden, Incarvillea mairei 'Bees' Pink' works well in mixed borders, gravel pockets, or alpine-style beds where its summer blooms can be seen at close range. Its flowering period of June to August makes it useful for mid-season colour; place where the blooms are visible to benefit from pollinator visits and to enjoy the seasonal display.

More in the Incarvillea genus

• 
  Incarvillea maireiMaire's hardy gloxinia
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  Incarvillea mairei 'Frank Ludlow'
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  Incarvillea mairei 'Nyoto Sama'
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  Incarvillea olgae