Alpinia nutans (Shell ginger)
Botanical names: Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa
Common names: Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily, Narrow-Leaf Cinnamon Ginger, Shellflower, Dwarf cardamom, False cardamom
Family: Zingiberaceae
Origin: China and Japan
Hardiness: 20°F
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. Alpinia nutans var. longiramosa is a synonym of Alpinia zerumbet.
Similar plants: Alpinia nutans (Shell ginger)
- Alpinia argentea (Yellow Ginger Lily )
- Alpinia formosana x zerumbet 'Variegata' (Variegated ginger)
- Alpinia galanga (Galanga Root)
- Alpinia gigantifolia (Red Ginger Lily)
- Alpinia henryi ''Pink Perfection'' (Pink porcelain lily)
- Alpinia luteocarpa (Red Bamboo Ginger)
- Alpinia malaccensis (Rathkihiriya)
- Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal)
- Alpinia purpurata (Red Ginger Lily)
- Alpinia rugosa (Evergreen Broadleaf Ginger)