Roscoea Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk'
ABOUT
The Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk', commonly referred to as ginger lily although it is not related to either gingers or lilies, is a striking perennial that features a lush clump of elongated, lance-shaped leaves. The foliage emerges in a rich green shade and provides an ideal backdrop for the plant's unique flowers. Blooming in the summer months, the ginger lily showcases delicate, tubular flowers that are particularly esteemed for their exotic appearance and soft coloring. These flowers typically exhibit a pale, silken hue, reminiscent of raw silk, and may have a subtle, gradient effect, blending to a more intense color at the base or along the delicate edges. The blossoms are supported by equally attractive stems, which rise elegantly above the leafy base of the plant, contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal. As the blooms age, they may display a slight color shift, adding to the plant's interest throughout its blooming period. The precise nuance of color can vary depending on environmental factors, making each specimen of Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk' a unique display within the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Zingiberaceae
Synonyms
Hardy Ginger, Ginger Lily
Common names
Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Roscoea, commonly referred to as "Ginger lily" but not to be confused with the true ginger plant or lilies, does not have a well-documented profile for toxicity to humans. There is little information suggesting that Ginger lily poses significant toxic risks to humans when touched or ingested. However, as with many plants, it is possible for individuals to have allergic reactions or sensitivities. Ingestion of plant parts that are not typically considered food could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-specific symptoms due to the presence of unusual compounds to which humans are not commonly exposed. If ingestion does occur and symptoms appear, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
For pets, specifically cats and dogs, the Ginger lily does not appear on common toxic plant lists, suggesting that it is likely safe in terms of not causing serious toxicity. Like in humans, consumption of non-food plants can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. As pets can have varying sensitivities, it's always prudent to prevent them from consuming plants to avoid any potential issues. If a pet does consume Ginger lily and shows signs of distress, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk', commonly known as ginger lily, provides aesthetic appeal with its delicate pale yellow flowers and attractive foliage, enhancing garden beauty.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Ginger lily can tolerate periods of drought, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with water restrictions or less frequent rainfall.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Ginger lily is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it versatile for planting in various climate zones.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering period, which can provide color and interest in the garden throughout the summer months.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of ginger lily attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk' can be used in floral arrangements, especially for summer weddings, thanks to its delicate and unique orchid-like flowers.
- The plant can be featured in educational gardens to demonstrate biodiversity and the cultivation of lesser-known ornamental plants.
- The leaves of Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk' can serve as a subtle green backdrop in photography, providing a natural-looking setting.
- Due to its ability to tolerate some shade, it can be planted in woodland gardens to enhance the understory visual interest.
- The rhizomes of Roscoeas are sometimes used in horticultural therapy programs for their interesting textures and as a study specimen for propagation techniques.
- Gardeners can use this plant in a 'Moon Garden' where its pale flowers will shine in the moonlight, creating an ethereal nighttime garden experience.
- Roscoeas, including 'Harvington Raw Silk', could be used in sustainable landscaping practices as they are generally low maintenance once established.
- Some artists may use the intricate flower patterns of Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk' as inspiration for botanical illustrations and naturalistic designs.
- Collectors of rare plants often seek out varieties like 'Harvington Raw Silk' for their unique appearance and the challenge of cultivation, enhancing horticultural diversity.
- In regions where bees are under threat, planting Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk' can provide an additional nectar source during its flowering period, supporting pollinator populations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Roscoea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Roscoea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rarity: As Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk' is a specific cultivar, it symbolizes uniqueness and rarity, reflecting the special traits that have been selected for in this particular plant.
- Beauty: This plant, with its delicate silk-like flowers, often symbolizes beauty and grace in the plant world, representing the allure of its visual appearance.
- Exoticism: Roscoea species are native to mountainous regions in Asia, and their presence in gardens can symbolize exoticism and the allure of the unfamiliar.
- Adaptability: Since Roscoeas are hardy despite their exotic looks, this cultivar can symbolize adaptability and resilience in various conditions.
- Transformation: The unfolding of the plant's intricate flowers can symbolize transformation and the revelation of inner beauty over time.
WaterRoscoe lilies should be watered regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and weather conditions. During periods of hot weather, it may be necessary to water more frequently, while in cooler climates or during rainy spells, less frequent watering might be appropriate. Provide approximately one gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water reaches the roots without saturating the soil to the point of creating standing water.
LightRoscoe lilies thrive best in partial shade, where they can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. The ideal spot for these plants would be under the canopy of deciduous trees, or on the north or east side of a building where they can be protected from the harsh midday sun.
TemperatureRoscoe lilies prefer temperate climates and can typically tolerate temperatures ranging from around 40°F to 85°F. They can survive brief periods of colder weather but should not be exposed to temperatures below 20°F. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60°F and 70°F during their active growing period.
PruningPruning of Roscoe lilies is mainly done to remove spent flowers and yellowing foliage, which helps to promote healthy growth and improve the plant's appearance. Prune after flowering, typically in late summer or fall, by cutting back flower stems to the base. Additionally, trim away any damaged or decayed leaves to maintain a tidy look and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Himalayan ginger 'Harvington Raw Silk' is a well-draining mix with plenty of organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sharp sand. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingHimalayan ginger 'Harvington Raw Silk' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingHimalayan ginger 'Harvington Raw Silk' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. Keeping the plant in a bathroom or using a humidity tray can help maintain these conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and high humidity for indoor Himalayan ginger.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, fertile soil for outdoor Himalayan ginger.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleRoscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk', commonly known as Harvington Raw Silk ginger lily, begins its life cycle with seed germination in a moist, well-drained medium, occurring in late winter or early spring. After germination, seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic lance-shaped leaves, initiating a period of vegetative growth throughout the spring and summer months. During late summer, the ginger lily produces distinctive, attractive flowers, often silk-like in texture, which are a key feature of this cultivar. Following pollination, which may be facilitated by insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules if the conditions are favorable. As the growing season ends and temperatures drop in autumn, Harvington Raw Silk enters a dormant phase, with its foliage dying back and the plant conserving energy in its underground rhizomes. With the return of warmer temperatures in the subsequent spring, the perennial rhizomes give rise to new shoots, and the cycle recommences.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Roscoea 'Harvington Raw Silk', commonly known as the Hardy Ginger, is often propagated by division, typically done in the spring as new growth begins. This involves unearthing the rhizomes, which are the underground stems of the plant, taking care not to damage them. Once the rhizomes are exposed, you should carefully split them, making sure that each division has at least one growth bud. These separated pieces can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them enough room to grow. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the divisions. This method is the most common because it maintains the characteristics of the hybrid and ensures a quicker establishment compared to starting from seed.
