Roscoea Roscoea 'Summer Deep Purple'

Water

For Roscoea 'Summer Deep Purple', commonly known as Hardy Ginger, watering should be sufficient to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Initially, after planting, water thoroughly to help establish the roots, which may require watering every few days. Once established, reduce watering frequency to approximately once a week, applying about one gallon of water per plant to saturate the root zone. During hot and dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, you can water less often. Always check the soil moisture at about two inches depth; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Light

Hardy Ginger prefers partial shade to full sunlight, thriving best when they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. An ideal spot would be under the canopy of taller plants or trees that offer dappled sunlight, protecting the leaves from the harsh afternoon sun. Ensure that the plant receives a few hours of direct sunlight daily, but avoid prolonged exposure to intense midday sun which can scorch the foliage.

Temperature

Hardy Ginger does well in temperatures that range from 60°F to 80°F, which are typical for temperate climates during the growing season. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 30°F; however, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Ideally, keep them in conditions that avoid extremes, providing a stable environment that does not fluctuate dramatically.

Pruning

Pruning Hardy Ginger is necessary to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and to maintain a tidy appearance. It's best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done sporadically throughout the growing season as needed to remove damaged foliage. Cut back the foliage to ground level at the end of the blooming season to prepare the plant for winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Ginger family Summer Deep Purple thrives in lightweight, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part perlite or sand, and one part well-rotted compost or leaf mold is ideal. Maintain a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Summer Deep Purple should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or whenever you notice that the plant has outgrown its current pot. The best time to repot is in the spring just before the new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Summer Deep Purple prefers moderate humidity levels, typically around 50-60%. It's important to maintain consistent humidity without allowing the plant to sit in overly moist conditions that could lead to root rot.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Roscoea 'Summer Deep Purple', commonly known as Summer Deep Purple Roscoea, starts its life cycle as a dormant rhizome, which begins to sprout in spring when the temperatures rise. New shoots emerge from the rhizome, developing into lush green foliage. By mid to late summer, the plant produces vibrant deep purple flowers that are a characteristic feature of this cultivar. Following pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the plant may produce seed capsules if conditions are favorable. As autumn approaches, the above-ground foliage starts to die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. Throughout this dormant period, the rhizome survives underground, storing energy for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The ideal time for propagating Roscoea 'Summer Deep Purple', commonly known as Hardy Ginger, is in the spring just before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division of its rhizomes. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant after the foliage has died back, which typically occurs in the fall. Gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one growth bud. Replant the divisions at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters), spacing them approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. It's important to maintain even moisture during the first growing season to encourage healthy root development.