TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa, Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily, Narrow-Leaf Cinnamon Ginger, Shellflower, Dwarf cardamom, False cardamom

Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa

Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily, Narrow-Leaf Cinnamon Ginger, Shellflower, Dwarf cardamom, False cardamom
Family: Zingiberaceae
Origin: China and Japan
USDA Zone: 7-9?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeShadeFull sunRegular waterPink flowersSpice or herb plantEthnomedical 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.Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant

The plant is quite versatile and makes for an excellent garden plant in USDA growing zones 7-9. It can either be grown as a large shrub of 5-10 feet in height or as a small shrub of 2-5 feet. Alpinia nutans requires full sun or partial shade, but prefers humid conditions and regular watering. Its stunning hot pink flowers, borne atop long flowering stems, bloom beginning in June and continue until the Fall.

It is a fairly salt tolerant plant, making it suitable for seaside areas. In cold climates, the mature plant is hardy at least to the low 30s Fahrenheit for a short time, although for best results it should be grown in a pot and stored in an area that does not freeze in the winter, such as a greenhouse or garage. Watering should be reduced in cold conditions and kept to a minimum until warm weather resumes. During the spring, the rhizome should be restrained or it will overthrow its container. Plants should be repotted in the spring if they outgrow their original container. Fertilize annually with compost or an appropriate plant food to encourage growth, and do regular pest and disease checks.

Alpinia nutans is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia zerumbet.


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