Cautleya Species, Chinese Butterfly Ginger, Hardy Shade Ginger

Cautleyaspicata

Genus
Cautleya (KAWT-lee-uh)
Species
spicata (spi-KAH-tuh)
Synonym
Cautleya petiolata
Cautleya robusta
Roscoea spicata
Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

El Sobrante, California

San Jose, California

San Leandro, California

Artondale, Washington

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
1
neutral
1
negative
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J
Collierville, TN | November 2017 | positive

Cautleya spicata is growing well in my zone 7b shade garden. It returns every year.

E
(Zone 10a) | June 2012 | negative

A friend warned me that this is a cool grower that will not thrive here with our very hot summers. Hot temperatures make it look very sad...Read More

B
B
Baa
| October 2001 | neutral

A perennial from the Himalayas.

Has broad, lance shaped, glossy, mid-dark green leaves reaching upto 14 inches long. Bear...Read More

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