Overview
Roscoea purpurea f. alba is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Roscoea, part of the Zingiberaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Roscoea purpurea f. alba grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Roscoea purpurea f. alba is a deciduous perennial cultivar of the Roscoea genus, known for its columnar upright habit and orchid-like flowers. It thrives in partial shade with a preference for north- or east-facing, sheltered positions, growing best in moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, rock gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It flowers from spring through to autumn, adding seasonal interest throughout the year.
About the genus
Roscoea is a genus of perennial plants of the family Zingiberaceae. While most members of the ginger family are tropical, Roscoea species are native to cooler mountainous regions of the Himalayas, China and its southern neighbours. Roscoea flowers superficially resemble orchids, although they are not related.
Wikipedia contributors, "Roscoea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Roscoea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Roscoea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Roscoea purpurea f. alba size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Roscoea purpurea f. alba
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Roscoea purpurea f. alba?
Roscoea purpurea f. alba prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Roscoea purpurea f. alba need?
Roscoea purpurea f. alba grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Roscoea purpurea f. alba hardy in the UK?
Roscoea purpurea f. alba 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 Roscoea purpurea f. alba?
Seed, Division.