Costus lucanusianus

Costus lucanusianus is an amazing new Costus from Gabon in West Africa. It has a dazzling pink trumpet flower with a yellow throat. It is very floriferous with an inflorescence of numerous flower buds on a shortish plant of 3-4 ft that stands very erect. It is an easy grower with similar growing requirements to other gingers.

Costus malortieanus

Costus malortieanus has wonderful velvety foliage and a nice dark green color. The flowers are also quite attractive. Costus malortieanus grows to about 5 ft tall in part shade to nearly full sun. This is the easiest of all the spiral gingers to grow, as it seems to be able to handle a wide range of soil and sunlight.

Costus productus

Costus productus is actually an edible variety. The flower petals are quite sweet and nutritious. It's a lower grower and makes a great ground cover. Each flowerhead lasts over a month and the clump can be in flower for months while the weather stays warm. Excellent cut flower.

Costus sp.

Costus are easilly distinguished from other commonly cultivated gingers because the leaves spiral around the main stem like a circular stairway. In fact they are called Spiral Gingers. The Costus species are rich and varied in form, flower and growing conditions. There are short mounding forms, spreading forms and upright forms.

Species and varieties:

Costus afer

Costus amazonica variegata

Costus curvibracteatus

Costus guanaiensis

Costus lasius

Costus longibracteolatus

Costus lucanusianus

Costus malortieanus

Costus nudicaulis

Costus productus

Costus pulverulentus

Costus scaber

Costus speciosus

Costus spicatus

Costus tappenbeckianus

Costus vargasii

Costus varzearum

Costus villosissimus

Costus woodsonii

Costus spicatus, Alpinia spicata

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Costus spicatus or Red Button Ginger is a large perennial plant, usually growing 5 to 10 ft tall and wide, native to Tropical America. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that is grown for its spectacular foliage and attractive red, crimson, and vinous flowers. The foliage of Costus spicatus typically matures to a dark green color, and is often attractively variegated. The flowers of this plant typically appear in late spring or early summer, and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The aromatic foliage also serves as a very nice backdrop for the flowers.

This plant is ideal for tropical gardens and is also a great way to add interesting texture to your garden beds. The plant prefers semi-shade, and likes to be watered regularly. The preferred organic-rich soil. Plant thrives in USDA Zone 9-11 and is usually cold-hardy at least to the 30s Fahrenheit range.

Costus spicatus is one of the few species of costus that is edible. The red cone-like inflorescence of this plant, which appears after the flowers, can be harvested and eaten when ripe. The cone is usually around 2 inches long, and has a sweet flavor with a rather unusual texture. It is said to have a range of medicinal benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its edible parts are also believed to help reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system. Each mature plant can produce up to 6 cone-shaped fruits in a single season.

In cold regions, Costus spicatus can be grown in pots, as long as they are brought indoors in winter. In the winter months, care should be taken to ensure that the plants are kept in a cool, but frost-free location. Watering should be reduced in winter but used more generously in summer, when the plant is actively growing. Additionally, during the growing months, it is important to make sure that the foliage is kept clean by regular pruning and removing dead or damaged leaves.

Costus are easily distinguished from other commonly cultivated gingers because the leaves spiral around the main stem like a circular stairway. In fact they are called "spiral gingers".

Costus tappenbeckianus

Costus tappenbeckianus, more commonly known as Spiral Ginger, is a small shrub native to Equatorial Africa. It is an evergreen hardy plant suitable for USDA Zone: 9-11 and features bright green foliage with a spiral pattern of white veins, and pink flowers that grow along the leafy stems.

Growing Costus tappenbeckianus is best done in an area with semi-shade, although it can tolerate full sun if conditions are not too hot. It requires regular watering, especially when planted in a pot, to maintain its lush foliage.

In colder growing regions, Spiral Ginger is best kept in a pot and brought indoors during winter months when temperatures drop. To keep the plant healthy, place it in a sunny spot with some humidity, and don't forget to water it regularly. When temperatures become too cold for outdoor planting, the pot can be placed outside in semi-shade, ensuring the plant receives adequate sunlight without overheating.

When well cared for, Spiral Ginger is an attractive, low-maintenance plant that can add a tropical feel to any garden. It flowers readily, creating a yellow and pink display while providing interest and beauty throughout the summer months.

Monocostus uniflorus, Costus uniflorus

This is a soft and delicate small ginger growing with spiral stems and dark green, oval thick leaves which are about 2 inches to 2.5 inches long ( 5 to 6 cm). Large, single lemon-yellow flowers emerge at the tip of stems of graceful texture spring from a spiraling cone. It will bloom almost all year and will make a beautiful free full blooming hanging basket.

Tapeinochilos ananassae

Indonesian Wax Ginger will reach 8 feet (2½ meters) tall with dark green soft leaves arranged spirally around bamboo-like stems. Leaves reach 15 inches (38 cm) in length by about 6 inches (15 cm) wide. It is an attractive plant but needs a lot of room to grow. In containers they need to be repotted often. The stately dark red, cone shape bract similar to an upside down pineapple is colossal and enhanced with vivid yellow flowers appearing within the basal bract.