About
Roscoea tibetica, the Tibetan roscoea, is a herbaceous, clump-forming tuberous perennial to 18 cm with erect, leafy stems and clusters of up to four purple, pink or white, orchid-like flowers 3.5 cm wide in late spring. A charming and rewarding small tuberous perennial for a sheltered, moist, well-drained rock garden or alpine house.
About the genus
Roscoea are tuberous perennials from the Himalayas and China with arching, linear or lance-shaped leaves and showy, orchid-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, yellow or white in summer or autumn. Excellent plants for sheltered, moist, well-drained rock gardens and woodland borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toN. Myanmar to SC China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A cool, sheltered site in partial shade is ideal; in very cold areas apply a deep winter mulch. If growing from a tuber, plant 15cm deep
PruningRemove faded flowers, the rest of the plant will die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Propagate by division of tubers in spring when growth is starting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus