Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger)

Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower, close up with yellow center on dark red stem.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower with ruffled petals and a distinct yellow center spot.

Botanical names: Costus speciosus, Cheilocostus speciosus

Common name: Crepe Ginger

Family: Costaceae

Origin: Malay Peninsula of Southeast Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant form: Large bush
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; 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
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Growing Crepe Ginger (Costus speciosus) is a large 5-10 ft tall shrub that is native to the Malay Peninsula of Southeast Asia and is an ornamental foliage and ethnomedical plant. This plant has fragrant off-white to white flowers that open during the day and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant should be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 and is cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time.

This plant prefers part sun with at least 3-5 hours of direct sunlight and should be planted in a moist but well-drained, fertile, organic soil. For best growth, monthly applications of balanced fertilizer during the summer months should be added. Costaceae is the only ginger that can be propagated by stem cuttings, plant division, and Rhizome pieces.

In cold regions, Crepe Ginger is best planted in pots and kept in a sheltered area. During cold weather, the soil should be kept slightly moist and free of standing water. During extreme cold weather below 30s F, it is best to move the pot to an area sheltered from wind and cold temperatures. With the proper care, your Crepe Ginger will thrive and bring you years of beauty.

Similar plants: Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger)

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Image gallery: 14 images
Costus speciosus white flower close up on deep red textured bracts
Costus speciosus white flower sitting atop deep red textured spiral bracts
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with yellow leaves on a stem, a close up plant
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with yellow foliage and subtle green markings on the wet leaves.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with a ruffled white flower and dark red cone bracts close up.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with a delicate white flower emerging from a dark red cone bract.
Costus speciosus with white flower and dark maroon bracts close up image
Costus speciosus displays a white flower emerging from deep maroon colored bracts
Costus speciosus white flower close up with green leaves in the background
Costus speciosus white flower with crinkled edges among broad dark green foliage.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with green and white variegated leaves in a spiral plant arrangement.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) stems radiate leaves in a spiral pattern with green and white tones.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) green and white variegated plant leaves spiral on the stem.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) leaves spiral around the stem with distinct green and white variegation.
Costus speciosus white flower close up with green leaves background for garden
Costus speciosus white flower with ruffled edges sits atop wide green leaves.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower with yellow center, close up plant image.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower with yellow throat nestled among large green foliage leaves.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) yellow green leaves with white flower close up
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with yellow green striped leaves and white flower.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with red flower, close up of cone shaped structure and leaves.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) showing a deep red flower spike nestled among broad green leaves.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower with yellow center, close up petal detail.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower with yellow center amidst green foliage.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower and red bracts among large green leaves close up
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) white flower beside a red cone-shaped bract with thick green leaves.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) with red bracts and white flowers on a leafy plant.
Costus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) showing multiple tall stems topped with red bracts and white flowers.


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https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/costus_speciosus.htm
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