Fred Galle Rohdea. This is one of the most popular genera in Japan to be displayed in the "Koten Engei" style where cultivars are grown for show in ornate porcelain pots. Other plants exhibited like this are Ardisia crispa and A. crenata, as well as Asarum sp. and Selaginella tamariscina. This cultivar was selected by Fred Galle of Calloway Gardens which has extremely narrow leaves. It is one of the most rapidly dividing selections of this species that I have ever seen. Some references on the internet say that this is an old Japanese cultivar 'Tyokkwina.' I don't know of the validity of this claim. This genus likes dry shade. Good drainage is the most important cultural factor to consider. In time it will make a large evergreen clump of dark glossy green foliage. It produces large red fruit on short stems that are unfortunately hidden down in the foliage. It is ideal as a container plant as well and because of its low light requirements, works quite well as a house plant.
Zones 7-10
