Incarvillea sinensis
Family: Bignoniaceae
What it is like
Incarvillea sinensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. 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: mildly acid, 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. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Sandy and rocky places, embankments and old walls from 400 - 2100 metres, often in wind-swept sites.
E. Asia - N. China, Manchuria.
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: 1
The plant is used to treat skin ailments, spongy gums and ulcers.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in a deep well-drained sandy but rich soil in full sun. Plants grow better if they are given some shade around midday. Dislikes dry summer soils and winter wet. One report says that this species should be grown in a greenhouse whilst another says that it is hardy to about -15°, tolerating 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 1 - 2 years to come into flower from seed. A variable species, some forms are perennial whilst others are annual. I. sinensis sinensis is an annual whilst I. sinensis variabilis (Batal.)Grierson is a perennial. 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.
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; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
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.