Hardy Gloxinia
Incarvillea delavayi
Family: Bignoniaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Rounded.
Incarvillea delavayi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Grassy places and scrub around 2000 metres. Pastures and open grassland, 2400 - 3500 metres, but it is now uncommon in its native range.
E. Asia - S.W. China in Yunnan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and young shoots - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Rock garden, Specimen. Easily grown in a deep sandy but rich soil in full sun. Plants grow better if given some shade around midday. Prefers a well-drained calcareous or neutral soil and is drought tolerant when established. Another report says that it dislikes dry summer soils. Dislikes winter wet. Prefers a sheltered position. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, tolerating even lower temperatures if the roots are well mulched, preferably with dry bracken. The crown of the plant requires protection from slugs in the winter. A very ornamental plant, it usually takes about 3 - 4 years to come into flower from seed. This species is often confused in cultivation with I. mairei. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance, it is best to place them in their permanent positions whilst small. The plants will often sulk for several years if they are divided. Special Features: Attractive foliage.
Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn or spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out into their permanent positions in spring after the last expected frosts. Division with care in early spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
One report suggests that the plant might be slightly toxic.