Roscoea purpurea f. rubra
red-flowered purple roscoea
A perennial with spreading, wavy-edged leaves clasping the stems which are sometime flushed with red. The flowers are brick red, carried in small, terminal clusters in mid- to late summer stems
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Nepal
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 early summer. Plant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Apply a deep winter mulch in colder areas, and take pots under cover
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
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering
Pests
Slugs and vine weevil may be a problem
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a virus
Get involved
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