Stromanthe sanguinea var. spectabilis

RHS Plant Profile
showy stromanthe
Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen perennial forming a clump of erect stems to 1.5m, bearing deep olive-green, oblong-elliptic leaves 20cm in length, green or reddish beneath, and small white flowers among conspicuous red bracts

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Marantaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Stromanthe are evergreen rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with simple, lance-shaped to ovate leaves and racemes or panicles of cup-shaped white, yellow or red flowers with showy bracts, in winter, spring or summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free compost in bright filtered light, allowing a free root run. Grow outdoors in moist, fertile soil in full sun or dappled shade in frost-free area

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division when dormant or after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free