Roscoea humeana

From forest margins in China, this stocky little tuberous rooted perennial is from the ginger family. Tight clumps of upright stems sheathed in leaves grow to 6-8 and are topped in summer by large, very showy purple orchid like flowers! Sun in cool areas to part shade where warm; prefers rich, well drained moist soils. Mulch in cold winter zones. A first meeting with this plant usually elicits a sharp intake of breath followed by What is that?!