Rehmannia

(Rehman'nia)

DESCRIPTION: These frost-tender perennials are natives of China and Japan. R. elata is a pretty plant that grows up to 3 feet high. It has somewhat branching, straggly growth. Its bright green, softly fuzzy leaves are oval, lobed and sometimes toothed. The flowers resemble those of the Foxglove and are borne atop thin stalks from early to mid summer. They are bright rose-purple with yellow throats. R. angulata has lance-shaped, deeply divided leaves and reddish-pink flowers with orange speckled throats.

POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 35 degrees. In very harsh climates, grow these plants in cool greenhouses. They need light, sandy soil that has excellent drainage and a warm, sunny, sheltered location. They do not like winter moisture. When grown in a greenhouse, they should be potted in 7-inch pots filled with light, sandy soil. Occasional applications of liquid fertilizer should be given when the flower spikes are developing.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the spring or fall. Root cuttings may be taken in the winter. Stand pots on an ash or gravel bed and allow the roots to grow through the bottom of the pot; the roots left in the ground, after being severed from the pot, will produce many plantlets. Cuttings may also be used to increase your plants. Once the flowers have faded, the spikes are cut down to encourage the growth of basal shoots. These are detached and inserted around the edges of well-drained pots filled with sandy soil. Water them and cover with a hand light until roots have formed.

VARIETIES: R. angulata & var. Pink Perfection; R. glutinosa; R. elata; R. rupestris.

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