Roscoea scillifolia f. atropurpurea
purple-flowered squill-leaved roscoea
A slender, tuberous perennial, to 40cm tall, with narrow, stem-clasping leaves and small, very deep purple flowers held above the foliage in early to mid-summer
Synonyms
Roscoea scillifolia 'Deep Purple'Roscoea scillifolia dark-flowered
see moreRoscoea scillifolia atropurpurea
Roscoea alpina f. nigra
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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 | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers 15cm deep in winter or early spring. Grow on in moderately fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained soil, in a cool, sheltered site in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide plants in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering
Pests
Slugs and vine weevils may be a problem
Diseases
May be affected by a virus
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