Costus afer (Spiral Ginger)

Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) brown green cone flower close up on thick stem
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) showing a brown green cone flower amidst long lush leaves.

Botanical name: Costus afer

Common name: Spiral Ginger

Family: Costaceae

Origin: Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-12

Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Semi-shadeSun exposure: Semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Costus afer are very easy to grow. They require a rich well drained soil (2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 1 part sharp sand), kept on the moist side. They do well in part shade to full sun. Spiral Ginger is a very vigorous grower, that requires frequent repotting to control its size.

Similar plants: Costus afer (Spiral Ginger)

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Image gallery: 11 images
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) green pinecone flower close up with a white petal
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with green cone-shaped inflorescences and small white petals emerging from above.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and yellow flower petals, close up of plant
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and yellow flower petals nestled among deep green leaves.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) white pink yellow flower close up capturing delicate overlapping petal edges
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) flower with white and pink petals along with a yellow center
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and pink flower in a close up image.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and pink flower emerging from a dark green bract.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and pink flower, a close up image.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) showing white and pink flower alongside dark green glossy leaves.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and pink flower petals, a close up view.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with delicate white petals edged in pink near a green cone.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with tall green leaves, a tropical plant growing on stems.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with long green leaves arranged in a spiral along upright stems.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white pink flower close up.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white pink flower emerging from green textured cone.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) white pink flower close up with yellow center and green foliage.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white petals edged in pink and a subtle yellow throat.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with lush green leaves arranged along a sturdy upright plant stem.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) stem carrying several pointed green leaves with prominent veins along their surface.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) with white and pink flower petals in a close up.
Costus afer (Spiral Ginger) flower petals with white, pink, and yellow markings on the edges.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/costus_afer.htm
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