Roscoea purpurea 'Vincent'

Roscoea purpurea ‘Vincent’ is a brilliant hardy ginger for adding something truly different to shadier parts of the garden. It forms neat, upright clumps of green, veined, strap-like leaves, then produces orchid-like, purple-violet flowers in loose clusters through mid to late summer.

One of the best things about ‘Vincent’ is its exceptionally long flowering season—often continuing on and off until the first frosts in a good year—making it a fantastic “late colour” plant for borders and woodland-style planting.

Roscoea also tends to emerge late in spring, so don’t panic if it’s slow to show—this is normal, and it helps the plant avoid late frosts. 

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare roots in winter to early spring while dormant, or in autumn while the soil is still workable, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sheltered spot in partial shade or dappled shade with fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Roscoea is ideal for woodland borders, shady mixed beds, and also grows well in containers with a moisture-retentive compost.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown sits around 10–15 cm below the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants around 20–30 cm apart to allow clumps to fill out.
• Soil Prep: Work in leaf mould or well-rotted compost to retain moisture, and add a little grit if drainage is poor.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, especially in the first year, but avoid waterlogging.

Aftercare Tips:

• Apply a mulch in spring to conserve moisture and improve the soil.
• Roscoea can be late to emerge in spring — this is normal.
• After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally, then tidy up in autumn.
• In colder or exposed gardens, add a deep winter mulch for extra protection.

Top Tip:
Plant Roscoea ‘Vincent’ in small groups among ferns, Hostas and other shade lovers for a natural look. It often flowers for a long period, sometimes continuing until the first frosts.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
July - September (often longer in mild autumns)

Height:
Up to 18" (45cm)

Position:
Partial shade / dappled shade (can cope with more open sites if soil stays moist)

Hardy Perennial (tuberous / bare root)