About
An erect perennial to 50cm tall, with strap-shaped leaves and orchid-like white flowers 6cm across, heavily splashed with purple on the lower lip, and opening in succession in summer.
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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-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 usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationPlant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained soil, in a cool, sheltered site in partial shade. In frost prone areas apply a deep winter mulch
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be troubled by slugs and vine weevils
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a virus