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Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea purpurea 'Wisley Amethyst'

roscoea 'Wisley Amethyst'

An erect perennial to 50cm tall, with strap-shaped leaves and orchid-like white flowers 6cm across, heavily splashed with purple on the lower lip, and opening in succession in summer

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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 White Green
Autumn
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
Bushy
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

Plant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained soil, in a cool, sheltered site in partial shade. In frost prone areas apply a deep winter mulch

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

May be troubled by slugs and vine weevils

Diseases

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

Get involved

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