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A hybrid raised by Brian Mathew between R. cautleyoides and R. purpurea 'Red Gurkha'. I bought it from the members table at a Cyclamen Society show. Farmyard Nurseries says: "Behold the captivating hybrid Roscoea, a cross between R. cautleyoides and R. Red Gurkha, featuring pale creamy yellow flowers adorned with striking reddish-magenta markings. This unique combination renders it a coveted treasure for collectors, offering a delightful aesthetic. Thriving in sunny or semi-shaded locations, these blooms grace the landscape throughout the summer and early autumn. With a modest height of 30-45cm (12-18"), this gem, crafted by botanist Brian Mathew, stands as a testament to botanical ingenuity. Embrace the allure of this exceptional hybrid, a testament to nature's artistry and a must-have for enthusiasts seeking distinctive and rare floral wonders." Wrtiting in 'The Hardy Plant', Journal of the Hardy Plant Society, Brian Mathew says: " Several years ago some pots of Roscoea cautleyoides and R. purpurea f. rubra ‘Redm Gurkha’ were alongside each other on our terrace and the plants happened to be flowering at the same time. Usually the former is well over by the time ‘Red Gurkha’ comes into flower but this particular form of R. cautleyoides – which originated as a wild collection from China – always starts blooming in late summer/early autumn. Although not normally a ‘pollen dabbler’, on this occasion I did transfer some pollen from ‘Red Gurkha’ to R. cautleyoidesto see what would happen, and seed capsules were duly formed by the marked flower. When the resulting seedlings flowered they were clearly a mixed batch, some being straight R. cautleyoides (presumably there had also been some self-pollination) while others bore some of the characteristics of R. purpurea, largerflowered and more robust in growth. Noticeably, the internodes between the leaf blades were reddish as in ‘Red Gurkha’, while the flowers were an extraordinary mixture of yellow and purple. In 2008 the RHS Rock Garden Plant Committee commenced a trial of Roscoea at Wisley. Almost tongue in cheek I entered this strange plant into the trial, mainly just to demonstrate that a cross between these two species is possible. I must say that I prefer ‘clean’ colours and this, as with R. x beesiana, I did not rate very highly. However there were some favourable comments from the assessment panel, including ‘can I have a piece’, which is a sure sign of approval. It therefore seemed desirable to give it a name, and ‘Raspberry Ripple’ pretty much sums up its appearance – perhaps more like the late stages of a raspberry ripple ice cream as it begins to melt. This note will serve to establish the name and a standard specimen will be prepared for the Wisley Herbarium. |
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| 1st April 2014 | ||
