Titanotrichum oldhamii

Titanotrichum oldhamii is a superb and rare perennial with an exotic appearance, whose large tubular flowers are bright yellow with a coppery centre and are borne in autumn above lush and thick, semi-evergreen foliage. It prefers not too dry undergrowth and is best suited for mild climates.

This intriguing species belongs to the Gesneriaceae family, is rather sub-tropical and therefore very poorly represented in Europe, apart from a few mountain plants (Ramonda, Haberlea). Titanotrichum grows on cliffs in Taiwan, China, and Japan. In our gardens, it will form a clump of large, ovate, bright green leaves with a slightly wavy edge, semi-evergreen in mild climates, reaching 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) in height and width. Between September and November, the plant produces tall upright stems of 50 cm (20in), bearing flowers resembling foxgloves. The pale yellow corolla is enhanced by a delicately decorated copper-red throat, which will intrigue visitors to your garden! Shade or partial shade is required to prevent the foliage from scorching in summer.

Given its origins, Titanotrichum appreciates a soft, humus-rich, and well-drained soil that is preferably moist. However, its distribution range in a sub-tropical climate implies relatively limited hardiness. In a protected position, it can tolerate -5 to -8°C (23 to 17.6°F), perhaps a little more - as its cultivation is fairly recent, knowledge on this point is still quite limited. The large underground rhizomatous stems allow the plant, when it is happy, to spread (and propagate easily) and form an interesting groundcover.

In regions with cold winters, it can also be grown in a pot, in a cold greenhouse, or on a sheltered patio.

Its exotic look encourages pairing it with plants that have the same effect, such as Scheffleras or Fuchsia regia for shrubs, and with Kirengeshoma, Begonia grandis, or Zingiber mioga for perennials. Many ferns like Adiantum pedatum, Cyrtomium, or Dryopteris wallichiana will complement this ambiance!