Hemiboea subcapitata BO 15-100

False Sinningia  Gesneriaceae

Hemiboea subcapitata BO 15-100 is a handsome and rather exotic-looking woodland perennial, forming substantial clumps of large, soft, fleshy green leaves which can reach around 25 cm long. In summer, the foliage is topped by broadly tubular, Gloxinia-like white flowers, each with attractive deep orange-red spotting in the throat. Completely herbaceous, it dies back in winter and gradually forms an impressive clump without becoming invasive.

A relatively hardy member of the Gesneriaceae, H. subcapitata is found in China and neighbouring parts of Asia, where it grows in moist, shaded habitats. In cultivation it appreciates a cool, humus-rich soil that remains moist but well drained, with protection from strong afternoon sun.

BO 15-100 is a Chinese collection made by Bjørnar Olsen of Chinese Alpines. The collection has subsequently entered specialist cultivation, including at Edrom Nursery, where the plants have flowered and Edrom confirms their identity as Hemiboea subcapitata. This flowering confirmation is particularly useful given the taxonomic uncertainty that has accompanied the plant in some earlier horticultural listings.

An excellent late-season woodland plant, combining unusually bold foliage with flowers that look considerably more tropical than the plant’s hardiness would suggest.

Height: 30–45 cm
Spread: 50–70 cm
Flowering: July–September
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Position: Partial shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Collection: BO 15-100 — Bjørnar Olsen, Chinese Alpines, China
Identification: Confirmed as Hemiboea subcapitata by Edrom Nursery after flowering