Roscoea

The best time to move Roscoea is in the autumn when the foliage has died right down and the
plants are dormant rhizomes. It is possible to move the plants when they are in leaf, after they
have finished flowering. To do this plenty of soil around the plant should be lifted with them and
not shaken off, so that the rhizome is protected and does not dry out. The plants should then be
planted again as quickly as possible.
The plants were planted in raised beds on the Trials Field to ensure that the plants did not become
water-logged in winter. It was recommended that the soil be humus-rich and that a pH of 6 should
be aimed for. A mulch of fine bark was applied to the surface of the soil to keep the roots damp
during the summer months, and also to help maintain acidic soil conditions and provides additional
protection from winter cold. The Roscoea proved to be very hardy, surviving two successive harsh
winters.
Picture: R. × humeana 'Harvington
Royale', demonstrating the triangular
planting.
Three plants of each entry were grown in triangular blocks 30cm apart each way, with 45cm
between entries. Smaller rhizomes were planted 10cm deep and larger rhizomes 15cm deep.
The plants were dead headed to prevent seeding. Greenfly and slugs can attack new growth, and
so were controlled as necessary and a watch was kept for virus infection.
It was found necessary to erect some net shading over the plants in the height of summer to
prevent them from scotching and wilting in the mid day and afternoon heat. The dappled shade
was intended to replicate that of a woodland setting – their natural habitat. Some watering was
also necessary.
Picture: The shade used to create the
dappled light – mimicking the woodland
environment.
Picture: R. 'Summer Deep Purple' – in the
partial shade created to protect the plants in
the height of summer.
Roscoea Trial No. 1436 13