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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

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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

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