Cautleya spicata

Cautleya spicata brings the luxuriant look of the ginger family to a more manageable scale. Upright stems carry broad leaves, followed in late summer by yellow flowers set against reddish to maroon bracts. The combination adds warmth to a leafy corner without overwhelming smaller companions. Try it with ferns and hardy begonias for a shaded border with plenty to discover.

Growing conditions:
Plant in partial shade in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, placing rhizomes around 10–15 cm deep. Apply a protective winter mulch and avoid letting the soil dry out during summer.

Maximum size:
Approximately 50–100 cm tall and up to 50 cm wide, gradually forming a larger clump.