Description
Incarvillea – Amphicome –
There are about 14 annuals and taprooted perennials, in this genus. They occur in mountainous areas, some species in rocky sites, others in open grassland, in Central and Eastern Asia, including the Himalayas. They are grown for their exotic terminal racemes or panicles of tubular, trumpet shaped, 2 lipped flowers, with 5 spreading petals in shades of magenta and deep rose pink, sometimes in shade of yellow or white. The flowers are supported on strong stems above the usually alternate, pinnate or pinnatisect leaves. Grow in a mixed or herbaceous border, or smaller species in a rock garden.
Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun, with some shade in summer. Does not tolerate excessive winter moisture. Plant crowns 3-4″ deep, mulch in areas where the ground remains frozen for long periods. Avoid damaging the thick, fleshy roots.
Prone to slugs.
I. arguta – This erect, woody based perennial, often grown as an annual is found from the Western Himalayas to Western and Southwestern China grows 36″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces pinnate, dark green leaves, 2-8″ long, some basal and some arranged alternately on red tinted stems, the leaflets, in 2-6 opposite pairs, are ovate, lance shaped, or elliptic, and coarsely toothed. Racemes of 5-20 pendent, 1 ½”’‘ trumpet shaped, deep pink or white flowers, are borne in early and mid summer. Suitable for a border.
Zones 7-9
