About
This slender, tuberous perennial, to 40cm tall, with narrow, stem-clasping leaves and small, very deep purple flowers held above the foliage in early to mid-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
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationPlant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Grow on in moderately fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained soil, in a cool, sheltered site in partial shade
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide plants in spring
Pest resistanceSlugs and vine weevils may be a problem
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus