Incarvillea mairei – Amphicome –

Description

Incarvillea – Amphicome – There are about 14 annuals and taprooted perennials, in this genus. They occur in mountainous areas, some species in rocky sites, others in open grassland, in Central and Eastern Asia, including the Himalayas. They are grown for their exotic terminal racemes or panicles of tubular, trumpet shaped, 2 lipped flowers, with 5 spreading petals in shades of magenta and deep rose pink, sometimes in shade of yellow or white. The flowers are supported on strong stems above the usually alternate, pinnate or pinnatisect leaves. Grow in a mixed or herbaceous border, or smaller species in a rock garden. Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun, with some shade in summer. Does not tolerate excessive winter moisture. Plant crowns 3-4″ deep, mulch in areas where the ground remains frozen for long periods. Avoid damaging the thick, fleshy roots. Prone to slugs. I. mairei – This tap rooted perennial found from the Himalayas to Western Nepal, and Southwestern China grows 6-20″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces basal rosettes of pinnate, wrinkled, dark green leaves, 5-10″ long, composed of 4-7 pairs of ovate to oblong, finely toothed or scalloped leaflets, the terminal segment larger. In early summer it bears few flowered racemes of widely trumpet shaped, yellow throated, purple-crimson flowers, 1 ½-2 ½” across, with white striped purple marks on the lower lobes. Zones 4-8