Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained neutral 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 division of tubers in spring when growth is starting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering
Pests
Slugs and vine weevil may be a problem
Diseases
May be affected by 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.