Description
Roscoea –
There are about 18 species of tuberous perennials related to ginger, in this genus. They occur from meadows, slopes, and partially forested areas in the Himalayas and China. They are grown for their, hooded, orchid or iris like flowers, which have prominent, smooth edged or 2 lobed lips. The flowers are surrounded by overlapping bracts, and are born in summer or autumn. The lance shaped, arching leaves are stem-sheathing. Roscoeas thrive in cool climates, grow in a woodland garden or damp, shady border.
Plant tubers 6″ deep in winter or early spring. Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, leafy, moist but well drained soil, in a cool, sheltered site in partially shade. Where marginally hardy, apply a deep winter mulch. Divide in spring.
Prone to slugs and vine weevils.
R. purpurea – R. procera – R. purpurea var. procera – This tuberous perennial from the Himalayas grows 10-16″ tall and 8″ wide. It produces 4-8 lance shaped to oblong-ovate, pointed, deep green leaves, to 10″ long. In early and mid summer it bears purple, occasionally white or bi-colored flowers, up to 2 ½” across, are borne in succession from the upper leaf axils.
Zones 6-9
