Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) Incarvillea delavayi
Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) (Incarvillea delavayi) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Bignoniaceae family, native to South-west China (Yunnan, Sichuan). It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-west China (Yunnan, Sichuan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower)
- How far apart should I plant Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
- Does Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hardy gloxinia (Chinese trumpet flower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Big rose-pink trumpets with yellow throats on short stems in late spring, above ferny leaves, from a fleshy root. Found by Delavay in 1884. Needs sharp drainage in winter and dies down early; mark the spot.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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