Hardy Gloxinia

Incarvillea delavayi

Physical Characteristics

Incarvillea delavayi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - S.W. China in Yunnan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[179]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

One report suggests that the plant might be slightly toxic[179].