Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea cautleyoides 'Helen Lamb'

cautleya-flowered roscoea 'Helen Lamb'

'Helen Lamb' is a perennial with mid-green, somewhat spreading leaves, clasping the stem. The lilac flowers are produced in small, terminal clusters from late spring to midsummer

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

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Unresolved

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 division of tubers in spring when growth is starting

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

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

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevils and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free but a virus may be a problem

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.