Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea auriculata
  • RHS AGM

eared roscoea

R. auriculata is a deciduous perennial to 50cm tall with erect stems bearing lance-shaped leaves, and orchid-like bright purple flowers 3.5cm wide in late summer and early autumn

Synonyms
Roscoea procera misapplied
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Roscoea are tuberous perennials with arching, linear or lance-shaped leaves and showy orchid-like flowers in summer or autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Himalaya & Tibet

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed by sowing in a cold frame as soon as the seeds are ripe. Divide plants in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

Slugs and vine weevils may be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.