Incarvillea

These hardy and nearly hardy perennials are native to China and Turkestan. I. Mairei forms masses of mid- to dark green leaves that are divided into pairs of oval to oblong leaflets. In early summer, trumpet-shaped flowers grow atop short stems, which elongate after flowering. The flowers are purplish-pink with grayish-white or yellow throats. This plant grows and spreads up to a foot. I. delavayi forms basal clumps of foliage and in early summer, trumpet shaped, pinkish-red flowers at the end of strong stems. This variety grows from 18 to 24 inches high.

Pot Cultivation

Grow Incarvillea in deep, sandy soil that has excellent drainage, in full sun. Protect the young growths from slugs. In the winter, protect the crowns with dry straw or some other mulch in the winter. They are suitable for the rock garden and border.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown in the spring or autumn in sandy soil in a cold frame or they may be sown in flats of soil outdoors and covered with sheets of glass. They may also be divided in early spring.