An extraordinary rhubarb relative from the Himalayas and China, where it grows in damp mountain grassland, alongside marsh marigolds and upright blue irises. Clumps of glossy veined leaves, provide a base, for the flower stem, covered in parchment-like bracts, protecting the clusters of small flowers.
In Beth's own words 'I first saw it at Inverewe gardens, where it was staged, dramatically, as foreground to a water garden. It was meant to take your breath away, and did....Stiff above them (the foliage) stand 1m stems, pagoda-like, with large parchment bracts sheltering the clusters of little dock-like flowers hidden beneath them.'
A tricky plant to site at Beth's, with a drier spot tending to encourage more flowers, but wetter spots producing more leaf and better plants! Protect from hot sun.
