Family: Scrophulariaceae

These ten, herbaceous perennials, often grown as biennials, were formerly considered to be in the family Gesneriaceae, which they resemble. Originally from China, they are grown for their lovely, pink to mauve or yellow flowers, which resemble foxgloves. The leaves are borne in basal rosettes.

Species

R. elata, Chinese foxglove, grows up to 1.5 m (5 ft) high, and in summer bears pinkish purple flowers with a yellow throat, spotted with red. The sticky R. glutinosa grows to only 30 cm (12 in) and has red-brown and yellow flowers, in spring and summer.

Cultivation

In the garden, grow in well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil, containing plenty of organic matter. Choose a sheltered, sunny site. Where winters are damp and mild, lift and pot up plants in autumn, using soil-based potting compost, and winter in a cool greenhouse. Alternatively, plants can be grown permanently under glass. Propagate from seed germinated at 15°C (59°F) in early spring, soft basal cuttings in spring, or root cuttings in autumn.

Climate

Zone 8.