About
A half-hardy rhizomatous perennial to 30cm, forming a basal rosette of sticky, coarsely-toothed, obovate leaves and sending out slender runners. Leaves, stems and flowers have a covering of fine downy hairs. Pendent, tubular two-lipped flowers to 7.5cm long, reddish-brown with pale pink lips and purple markings in the throat, are produced in small clusters on short stems or singly in the axils of leafy flowering stems, from late spring to early summer.
About the genus
Rehmannia are erect perennials with large leaves in basal rosettes, and large, 2-lipped, trumpet-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationIn mild, frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, in a sheltered position in full sun. In colder areas, grow in under glass or in containers that can be moved to a cool, dry place indoors over winter. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light, water freely while in growth and keep just moist in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-16°C (55-61°F) in late winter, by root cuttings in late autumn, or by softwood cuttings from basal shoots before flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug and snail damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free