Roscoea beesiana Alba

Roscoea x beesiana Alba, the most elegant of the species, is a very hardy, rare bulb that adds a touch of distinction to the garden with its pure white flowers, resembling orchid flowers in summer. 

Also known as "False Orchid" or "Orchid Ginger", this 40cm (16in) tall plant is a perennial with fleshy roots. It forms a clump of strong tubular stems with grass-like, deciduous, quite narrow, medium green leaves, with sheathing bases. In June it has white flowers arranged in short spikes, consisting of a long curved tube and three petals, with the upper one forming a helmet and the lower one a lip; there are also a few smaller petaloid stamens.

Originally from the mountains of Asia, Roscoea x beesiana Alba grows in damp, slightly acidic, and well-drained soil, in partial shade. The young shoots take time to emerge.

Roscoea x beesiana Alba blends perfectly with rodgersias, cimifugas, and hostas in any ericaceous soil bed.