Incarvillea (in-kar-VILL-ee-uh) Common Name:  Hardy gloxinia Light:  - Part sun to part shade Soil:  Average to sandy loam, well-drained Moisture:  Average to dry, somewhat drought tolerant Blooms:  Early summer Zones:  5 - 8

Incarvillea delavayi Incarvillea 'Snowtop'

Incarvillea Description and Cultural Information

Incarvillea delavayi, hardy gloxinia. 12 - 24". Hardy gloxinia is a beautiful plant with low growing clumps of glossy, deeply divided leaves from which arise upright stalks carrying rich rosy-red, trumpet shaped flowers. 'Alba' and 'Snowtop' have pure white flowers.

How to Grow:  Plant hardy gloxinia in rich, average to sandy loam that is well-drained in an area with part sun to part shade. Crowns should be buried so that the top is about 6" below the soil level. The roots will eventually grow to the surface but after that happens there may be some crown dieback over the winter in colder climates. They need consistent moisture while in bloom but sharp drainage during the winter. Sometimes it is best to treat them as short-lived perennials but it is still worth trying these plants.

Landscape uses:  Use hardy gloxinia as an accent in the perennial border. It works well along the east side of buildings where it would receive good morning sun but be sheltered during the winter. Plant it with other summer bloomers such as lilies, Veronica, Penstemon, and bellflowers (Campanula) and with other drought tolerant perennials such as Sedum, Platycodon, and Iris.