Cautleya spicata

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan ginger

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Himalayan ginger RHS
Herbaceous Perennial
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A rhizomatous perennial with broadly lance-shaped, mid green leaves. In late summer it produces stiff spikes of yellow flowers with reddish green to maroon bracts

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Cautleya are rhizomatous perennials with erect stems bearing lance-shaped or oblong leaves in two ranks, and funnel-shaped yellow flowers with conspicuous bracts, in slender racemes
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Himalaya

How to Grow

Cultivation

Preferably plant in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Will tolerate sunnier spot if not allowed to dry out. Plant rhizomes 10-15cm deep. Protect with winter mulch

Propagation

Propagate by division of established clumps in late spring. Propagate by seed in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Sub-tropical
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back once the foliage was frosted

Pests

Slugs and snails may damage new growth

Diseases

Generally disease-free