About
This perennial with spreading, wavy-edged leaves clasping the stems which are sometime flushed with red. The flowers are brick red, carried in small, terminal clusters in mid- to late summer stems.
About the genus
Roscoea are tuberous perennials with arching, linear or lance-shaped leaves and showy orchid-like flowers in summer or autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNepal
Care notes
CultivationFertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained neutral soil is preferred; although best in part-shade, if the soil is moist will do well in more open sites. Young growth is late, often not appearing until early summer. Plant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Apply a deep winter mulch in colder areas, and take pots under cover
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or by division in spring
Pest resistanceSlugs and vine weevil may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a virus