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Herbaceous Perennial

Roscoea humeana f. humeana

Hume roscoea Hume form

A perennial with broad, pointed, bright green leaves, growing to about 30cm. The flowers are pale purple with a white throat and appear in early 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 Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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 seed sown 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 may be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

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