Roscoea x beesiana (Roscoea )


Botanical Information

FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusRoscoea
Speciesx beesiana
CategoryBulbs, Perennials, Tropicals
ReferencesBranney, T.M.E. (2009). Hedychium, Roscoea and Zingiber. London: RHS.
OriginFrom the Himalayas and first collected by Francis Buchanan in Nepal the genus Roscoea was named in 1806 by the English botanist James E. Smith in honour of his friend William Roscoe the founder of the botanical garden in Liverpool, England. There are between, depending on source, some 18-22 species and based on recent phylogenetic analysis can be placed into two distinct groups; the Himalayan and Chinese. Roscoea x beesiana is a cross between R. humeana and R. cautleoides.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7b - 8a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - (-9)
Temperature (°F)5 - 15
Height40 cm
Spread20 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July, August, September

Description and Growing Information

PropagationEasy to germinate from seed the plants flower 2-3 years later. Division of mature clumps with care taken not to break or otherwise bruise the fleshy roots which can become entangled.
CultivationMost species are considered hardy to USDA Zone 6 although not all species and cultivars have been proven so. Plant in a moist but well drained soil in partial to three quarters sun; full sun can lead to leaf scorch. Scree, rock gardens and pots are suitable placements. I overwinter plants in a dormant state in a cool room and force into bloom in the spring. After plants have bloomed, decrease watering towards the end of summer by laying the pot on its side in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Once the foliage dies back, carefully remove it and store the potted, dormant plants in a cool, dry location until spring.
Notable SpecimensThe A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves with small "ears" at the junction of the blade and sheath and larger bracts, over rather than under 6 cm long.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are variable: most forms have a pale cream base colour with varying amounts of purple streaking, particularly on the lip or labellum.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a capsule with arilate seeds, which are black in colour.

Photographs