Cautleya spicata 'Robusta'
Himalayan ginger 'Robusta'
A rhizomatous perennial to 90cm with broadly lance-shaped, somewhat glossy leaves. In late summer produces stiff flowerheads composed of overlapping, dark red bracts with protruding, two-lipped, yellow flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cautleya are rhizomatous perennials with erect stems bearing lance-shaped or oblong leaves in two ranks, and funnel-shaped yellow flowers with conspicuous bracts, in slender racemes
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant rhizomes 15cm deep in spring in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Water freely in dry spells, and mulch well in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in warmth in early spring, or by division in late spring just after growth begins
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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