Roscoea cautleyoides 'Jeffrey Thomas'

RHS Plant Profile
cautleya-flowered roscoea 'Jeffrey Thomas'
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

'Jeffrey Thomas' is a perennial with long, narrow, upright, mid-green clasping leaves, and reaches about 40cm tall. The flowers are pale yellow flushed with darker yellow and appear from late spring to midsummer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Grow in humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A cool, sheltered site in partial shade is ideal; in very cold areas apply a deep winter mulch. If growing from a tuber, plant 15cm deep

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

Pruning

Remove faded flowers, the rest of the plant will die down naturally

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevils and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free but a virus may be a problem