Roscoea

Wild Ginger Farm

**This is the Plant Reference area of the Wild Ginger Farm website. **

Not all plants listed on this page are available for sale at this time.

Please visit our mail order catalog to view currently available plants.

Some plants are available exclusively at our retail nursery.

Roscoea

This genus represents some of the hardiest members of the true Ginger family, Zingiberaceae. These perennials have showy orchid-like flowers and lance shaped leaves that grow from fleshy roots. The foliage dies back to the ground in the fall and reappears in the spring once the soil has warmed. Over time many species of Roscoeas will increase to create drifts of color.

Roscoeas are native to the mountain regions of eastern Asia where they grow in open woodlands, grasslands, meadows and on slopes . In cultivation, they are typically grown in woodland gardens but many grow well in cool sunny sites such as those found in borders, scree beds or rock gardens. They can also be grown successfully in containers. Relatively easy to grow, they need moderately fertile, well drained soil and regular water during the growing season.

Roscoea alpina

Mountain Roscoe Lily

This Himalayan species has relatively large pale to deep purple orchid-like flowers on short, stocky plants to about 8" tall. It does best in dappled shade in well-drained, fertile soil with regular water during the growing season. Roscoea alpina is a common Himalayan wildflower and occurs most frequently in open woodlands and on rocky slopes from 6,000 - 12,000 ft. Hardy to 0 degrees F. Zingiberaceae

Roscoea auriculata

Large, showy flowers

This attractive species grows a foot or more tall and has showy purple flowers with white throats in mid-summer. Grow in bright shade to sun in humus rich, moist but well drained soil. Hardy to 0 degrees F. Native to the Himalayas where it grows on open rocky sites. Zingiberaceae

Roscoea cautleoides (Syn. Roscoea cautleyoides)

Easy to grow

This variable species has narrow linear foliage and large yellow flowers in late spring. It is a versatile plants that can be grown in a variety of settings including both shady and sunny gardens. Give it humus rich, but well-drained soil. Native to alpine regions of Yunnan and Sichuan, China where it can be found in pine forests, meadows and grasslands. Hardy to –10 degrees F. Zingiberaceae

Roscoea purpurea

Roscoea purpurea

Tolerates a wide range of conditions

This is also a relatively easy to grow species that has large, showy purple flowers in mid to late summer. Variable in size from 6-16", it grows in many garden settings from shade to sun if provided moderately fertile soil and regular water. This Himalayan native occurrs in a wide range of habitats. Hardy to –10 degrees F. Zingiberaceae

Roscoea scillifolia (pink flowered)

Grows in sun or shde

Tuberous perennial 6-10 " high with small orchid-like pink flowers tucked among narrow green leaves in summer. An adaptable species that can be grown in sun or shade, it tends to naturalize around in the garden. Yunnan. Hardy to 0 degrees F. Zingiberaceae

* Previously sold as Roscoea alpina - apparently a common horticultural mislabeling.

Hardy Gingers