Roscoea cautleyoides 'Purple Queen'
cautleya-flowered roscoea 'Purple Queen'
'Purple Queen' is a tuberous perennial, to about 30cm tall, with long, narrow, upright, fleshy leaves clasping the stem. Purple-lilac orchid-like flowers are produced in small, terminal clusters from late spring to midsummer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Accepted
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
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded flowers, the rest of the plant will die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil
Diseases
A virus may be a problem
Get involved
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