Roscoea

Wild Ginger Farm

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

Prefers a cool location

Tuberous perennial 8-10 " high with delicate orchid-like pink flowers in summer. Grow in sun or partial shade in a cool location in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil. Native to the Himalayas where it grows in coniferous forests and on open mountainsides. Hardy to –5 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 –20 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

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

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