Hemiboea strigosa

False Sinningia  Gesneriaceae

A rather exotic-looking member of the Gesneriad family that is considerably tougher than its appearance suggests. Hemiboea strigosa forms spreading clumps of glossy, mid-green foliage, above which appear tubular, soft pink to lilac flowers in late summer and autumn. The flowers are borne in distinctive swollen, leafy bracts and are produced with surprising generosity — just when many woodland perennials are beginning to call it a year. Its natural range is centred in southern China, particularly Jiangxi, Hunan and northern Guangdong, where it grows in shaded valleys and woodland at approximately 360–900 m elevation.  The genus as a whole extends from the eastern Himalaya through southern and central China to Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands and Vietnam, with southern China the principal centre of diversity. 

In cultivation it appreciates partial to full shade and a humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil, preferably with good drainage, although British experience suggests it is surprisingly tolerant of periods of dryness once established. It spreads gradually by stolons to make an attractive colony rather than behaving aggressively. Particularly good beneath deciduous trees, among ferns and other woodland plants, or anywhere a late flush of pink flowers is required. UK growers report it as surprisingly resilient to both cold and wet. 

Distribution: Southern China — principally Jiangxi, Hunan and northern Guangdong; woodland and shaded valleys, 360–900 m.
Flowering: August–October
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 30–50 cm
Spread: 40–60 cm