Elettariopsis
An evergreen biennial or short lived perennial producing rosettes of lance-shaped, prominently veined, 20cm long leaves with soft, white hairs. Upright, leafy, flowering stems reach up to 2.5m, topped with cylindrical flowerheads densely packed with white, blueish-white, or deep purple-blue flowers, mainly in spring and summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light, or overwinter rosettes in a frost-free greenhouse and move outdoors in summer
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs or glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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