R

We sourced this from Edrom nursery in Scotland amidst our quest to attain Roscoea world dominance. Large soft yellow flowers sub in for the usual dark purple, which in all honesty pairs better with the rosy blush of the peduncle, shame that's one letter too many for Scrabble excellence but learning for the sake of learning I guess.

In the interest of full disclosure, we received this as Rhodohypoxis rubella from a reputable Dutch specialty bulb grower years back and we are having our doubts as to its veracity. Images of R. rubella in the wild suggest it is lighter pink, but then plants can have tremendous variability in the wild or none at all depending on the species. This has smaller flowers than typical R. baurii or its hybrids and smothers itself in rich deep dark pink flowers. Rhodohypoxis grow in South Africa at higher elevations on granitic cliffs where they inhabit little soil-filled pockets. They like good drainage and moisture while in growth and need the good drainage in winter to keep from rotting. Traditionally a classic bulb for small containers or pans as they they quickly fill out a pot and put on quite the display and then when they are going dormant it is easy to bring them into the garage or cool greenhouse over the winter. Here in the PNW, these are excellent rock garden subjects requiring only a bit of covering if winter temps plummet.

A behemoth of an introduction from our friends at Celestial Dreams Gardens. Stoutly stocky with an implacable confidence that only comes from knowing you are the apex Roscoea in our large school of species and cultivars. Thick stems hold big white flowers whose beauty fills the mind, preventing any ear-worm memory of the 'Jaws' music to intrude.