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Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock'

purple roscoea 'Brown Peacock'

An erect, tuberous perennial to 40cm tall, with strap-shaped, stem-clasping leaves flushed purple-brown, and light purple flowers opening in succession in mid- to late summer

Synonyms
Roscoea 'Brown Peacock'

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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 Brown Green Purple
Summer Purple Brown Green Purple
Autumn Brown Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, 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 seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, or by division of tubers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

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

Pests

Slugs and vine weevil may be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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