Plant of the week: Cautleya spicata
This exotic plant is actually a member of the ginger family and is ideal for a shady spot in the herbaceous border or in a woodland garden.
In late summer, decorative spikes of ornamental dark red bracts surround yellow flowers which are followed by dark red fruits. Peel back the skin to reveal a plastic-like, pale blue flesh in which are embedded the seeds. Cautleya thrive in moist, humus-rich soil.
Although they are hardy, plant them at least four inches deep – they are prone to lift themselves out of the ground as the rhizomes grow on top of one another.
Lift every four to five years, separate the rhizomes.
YP MAG 29/5/10