Where I live, they grow wild, so no specialised care.

In Zone 8, they are hardy, but will likely not bloom. They tend to bloom in spring, so if they are frozen back you will not see blooms. Occasionally they will flower in the fall, but its a rarity. If you have a very protected area, greenhouse, sunroom, then its well worth growing. If its outside though, it will just be a foliage plant.

As far as growing, medium sun (have seen them do well in full sun in some places), well drained rich soil. Other than that they are not too picky.

Tim Chapman

I'll bet they are lovely growing wild. Lucky you!

Tim, thanks for the information. I'll put her in the greenhouse this winter.

Kay

you're welcome. Its definitely worth greenhousing, as its just a matter of keeping the stems up for the winter. They stay in bloom for a very long time. I've got a few hybrids from barbatus that are more free blooming for us, but this is the first year they will go in the ground, hoping for more Zone 8 hardy Costus as there aren't that many of them.

Tim C.