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Herbaceous Perennial

Cautleya spicata 'Robusta'

Himalayan ginger 'Robusta'

A rhizomatous perennial to 90cm with broadly lance-shaped, somewhat glossy leaves. In late summer produces stiff flowerheads composed of overlapping, dark red bracts with protruding, two-lipped, yellow flowers

Synonyms
Cautleya robusta
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cautleya are rhizomatous perennials with erect stems bearing lance-shaped or oblong leaves in two ranks, and funnel-shaped yellow flowers with conspicuous bracts, in slender racemes

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant rhizomes 15cm deep in spring in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Water freely in dry spells, and mulch well in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in warmth in early spring, or by division in late spring just after growth begins

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Sub-tropical
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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