Roscoea 'Harvington Royale'

Roscoea  Zingiberaceae

A particularly fine, large-flowered hybrid Roscoea, producing rich, deep purple flowers on sturdy, compact pseudostems in early summer. The flowers are unusually large and showy, giving this selection the appearance of an exceptionally robust Roscoea humeana. It is earlier flowering and more vigorous than many forms, making it one of the most reliable garden Roscoeas. 

Introduction: ‘Harvington Royale’ was bred by Hugh Nunn, the renowned plantsman behind the Harvington Hellebores. It was selected as part of his Roscoea breeding work at Harvington and subsequently became established in specialist horticulture. Avon Bulbs describes it as a big-flowered form bred by Hugh Nunn, noting its early flowering, vigour and good flower size. 

Grow in partial shade in a rich, humus-filled, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Good drainage is particularly important during the winter dormant period, when the tuberous roots are susceptible to prolonged waterlogging. It is an excellent plant for woodland gardens and shaded herbaceous borders, emerging relatively late in spring before producing flowers over several weeks. 

Flowering: June–July
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Height: 25–35cm
Spread: 30–45cm