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Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea wardii
  • RHS AGM

Ward's roscoea

A perennial with upright, yellow-green, stem-clasping foliage. Terminal clusters of flowers appear in mid- to late summer, opening very dark purple, becoming paler and redder with age

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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 Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn 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, W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil is preferred; although best in part-shade, if the soil is moist will do well in more open sites. Young growth is late, often not appearing until later in spring. Plant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Apply a deep winter mulch in colder areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or by division in spring

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

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

Slugs and vine weevil may be a problem

Diseases

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

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