Red ginger Lily Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock'
ABOUT
Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock' is a captivating perennial that boasts a unique and exotic look, much like an orchid. It has robust, lance-shaped foliage that is deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the remarkable flowers. These blooms present themselves in an unusual blend of colors, displaying a purple hue that can vary in intensity from soft lavender to a more intense violet. The flowers feature a prominent central labellum or lip, which is typically darker and can have a near-brown appearance, reminiscent of a peacock's plumage. This central lip is often marked with yellow and white, adding further contrast and interest. The inflorescence of 'Brown Peacock' is a spike that emerges from upright stems, with the flowers arranged in a tiered fashion along the stem, giving the appearance of a delicate ladder of blooms. The floral display tends to start in the summer and can continue for a period, with each bloom exhibiting a distinctive hooded shape that shelters the reproductive parts. Visually, this plant can add a touch of the exotic to any garden, and despite its tropical looks, it can be quite robust once established. Its rich colors and striking flower form make it a standout addition to shade gardens, woodland settings, or as a curious and enchanting specimen in a mixed border.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Zingiberaceae
Synonyms
Red Ginger, Purple Roscoea, Brown Peacock Ginger
Common names
Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock'.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The 'Brown Peacock' variety of Roscoea purpurea is known for its unique, vivid purple flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Roscoea purpurea is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant can withstand periods of low water, making it a suitable choice for gardens in drier climates.
- Cold Hardy: It has a notable ability to survive cooler temperatures, making it a resilient choice for many temperate gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Roscoea purpurea attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Brown Peacock' can thrive in partial shade, providing flexibility in garden design and use in less sunny areas.
- Deer Resistance: This plant is often resistant to browsing by deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer are a common garden nuisance.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for container gardening or planting in restricted spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: Roscoea purpurea provides a long season of bloom, offering extended visual interest throughout the summer months.
- Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography subjects: With its striking 'Brown Peacock' flowers, Roscoea purpurea can serve as an excellent subject for macro and botanical photographers seeking to capture the unique structures and patterns of plants.
- Educational models: Biology teachers and educators may use the Roscoea purpurea as a model to explain plant reproductive structures and pollination processes to students due to its large and distinctive flowers.
- Culinary garnish: Though not commonly used for cuisine, the distinctive petals of Roscoea purpurea could be explored as an edible garnish for high-end culinary dishes, adding a unique aesthetic.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may take inspiration from the color and form of Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock' for various forms of art, including paintings, textile designs, and jewelry.
- Horticultural competitions: Gardeners may cultivate Roscoea purpurea for entry into flower shows or horticultural competitions, thanks to its striking appearance and rarity in private gardens.
- Themed gardens: Roscoea purpurea can be included in garden designs that are inspired by peacock colors or themes, accentuating the design with its peacock-like flower tones.
- Seasonal celebrations: The plant can be featured in arrangements or displays during spring festivals or celebrations due to its season of bloom, adding a natural and unique touch to the decor.
- Eco-friendly fabric dyes: The unique pigments in the flowers of Roscoea purpurea might be used in creating natural dyes for eco-friendly textile production.
- Papermaking: The fibrous material of Roscoea purpurea's leaves could potentially be used in the handcrafted paper-making process, though this is an unconventional use.
- Floral languages and symbolism: Roscoea purpurea might be incorporated into bouquets that communicate messages in the language of flowers, where its rarity and distinctive appearance could signify unique and exotic beauty.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Roscoea purpurea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Roscoea purpurea is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rare Beauty: The Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock', commonly known as Purple Roscoea, is not a widely known flower, symbolizing unique and rare beauty.
- Exotic Appeal: With its unusual coloring and pattern, the Purple Roscoea carries the symbolism of exoticism and fascination.
- Elegance and Grace: The delicate and intricate appearance of the Purple Roscoea is often associated with elegance and gracefulness.
- Mystery: The 'Brown Peacock' variety, in particular, has a mysterious allure, much like the elusive peacock for which it is named.
- Water
For the Hardy Ginger, Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock', water it thoroughly to ensure that the soil is evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater which can lead to root rot. During active growth in spring and summer, water approximately every week, providing about 1 inch of water which is roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard. Adjust frequency based on weather conditions—more often during dry, hot spells, and less during cool, rainy periods. In winter, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out partially between watering sessions.
- Light
Hardy Ginger prefers partial shade to full sun conditions. An ideal spot would be where it receives morning sunlight but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, such as an east or north-facing garden location. Ensure it gets at least 4 hours of filtered light daily for optimum growth.
- Temperature
The Hardy Ginger thrives in temperate conditions and prefers daytime temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, but frost can damage the foliage. To ensure robust growth, protect it from extreme cold by providing mulch or bringing potted plants indoors.
- Pruning
The Hardy Ginger doesn't usually require regular pruning, but if you need to tidy up the plant or remove dead foliage, it's best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning promotes healthy growth and can enhance flowering. Once a year is typically sufficient for this maintenance.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Himalayan ginger prefers a rich, loamy soil mix with good drainage. A suitable soil recipe could include equal parts of garden loam, well-rotted compost, and coarse sand or perlite to promote drainage. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, aiming for a range between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Repotting
Himalayan ginger should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the rhizomes have filled the pot. Spring is the best time for repotting, just before the new growth begins. Carefully divide the rhizomes if necessary to propagate or control the plant's size.
- Humidity & Misting
Himalayan ginger thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level around 60-70% for optimal growth. If the air is too dry, especially indoors, use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase the surrounding moisture.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock', commonly known as Brown Peacock Ginger, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in moist, well-drained soil, preferably in partly shaded conditions. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with narrow leaves and a slowly growing rhizome underground. As a perennial, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth annually, where the leaves broaden and the stem elongates, preparing for the flowering stage. During late spring or summer, depending on climate, the plant produces distinctive purple flowers that attract pollinators, facilitating the reproductive phase. After pollination, seed pods form, eventually drying and releasing seeds to continue the cycle, while the above-ground foliage dies back in the fall or early winter. The plant then remains dormant underground through its rhizomes during the cold season, storing energy to resprout the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Late summer
The Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock', also known as Hardy Ginger, can be propagated through division which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring after the last frost when the plant begins to show new growth. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the clump of Hardy Ginger preserving as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or shoot. Replant each divided section at the same depth it was growing before into well-draining soil, spaced about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new location.