Family: Bignoniaceae

Originally from Asia, these annual or herbaceous perennials were introduced into Europe in the mid-19th century. It is mostly the perennials that are cultivated, some being stemless. They have fern-like foliage and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colours, from red, rose, pink and purple to white.

Species

I. delavayi, pride of China, zone 6, is a fleshy rooted, clump-forming perennial, to 45 cm (18 in), very attractive in borders or rock gardens. It has stemless, fern-like leaves, tall flower stems and blooms in deep pink to purple in spring.

I. mairei var. grandiflora, zone 4, to 15 cm (6 in), flowers in early summer with large, deep rosy red blooms, with an orange tube and a throat blotched with white.

I. olgae zone 7, is a rather shrubby plant, 60-90 cm (24-36 in) high, with clusters of pale pink flowers in early summer.

Cultivation

These pretty plants like a sunny position and deep, rich soil. Although incarvilleas are quite hardy, they will not tolerate wet roots, so provide perfect drainage. Plant the fleshy, rooted crowns 10 cm (4 in) deep in spring, and, in climates subject to hard frosts, lay a permanent mulch around the plants. Propagate from seed in autumn or spring, germinating it in a garden frame. Alternatively, divide plants or take basal cuttings in spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.