Roscoea is a large genus of around 18 species, ocurring along the Himalaya, Western China and into North Vietnam. They are all dormant during the winter, and are often late coming into growth in the spring. In common with many plants from continental climates (hot summers, cold winters) they wait until temperatures are consisently high before starting into growth. The latest of them do not appear above the ground until late May, or even June. They grow vigorously during the warm season, if they are kept moist, and then die back suddenly in autumn to a short resting rhizome with fleshy roots. They are all cold hardy in the UK during winter, but they are susceptible to excess water in winter when dormant.

There is a certain amount of confusion surrounding them in cultivation. I have been growing all those I can obtain in the hope that things will become clearer. Sadly, that has yet to happen. I present here the names and plants as I grow them, and welcome comments on their identities.

I have a few seedlings of R. purpurea that I judge good enough to name. They are mostly derived from Keith Wiley's "Wildside" and "Imperial" hybrids at present, though there are others still being assessed. They are being given names with the "Wild" prefix.

31st July 2007
Identification problems have been eased by the publication of 'The Genus Roscoea' by Jill Cowley, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. My copy has just arrived, and I will update identifications and names as I get a chance.