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Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea forrestii

Forrest's roscoea

A perennial growing to 20-30cm with fairly broad, mid-green leaves, clasping the stem. Pale yellow flowers in terminal bunches are produced from early 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 Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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

Correct

Plant range
China

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 seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. 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
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
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

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