Costus speciosus, Cheilocostus speciosus

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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 afer (Spiral Ginger)
• Costus arabicus variegata, Costus amazonicus variegata (Variegated Spiral Ginger)
• Costus erythrophyllus (Ox Blood Costus, Red Wine Costus)
• Costus fissiligulatus (African Princess, Spiral Ginger, Cameroon Costus)
• Costus igneus, Chamaecostus cuspidatus (Insulin Plant, Fiery Costus, Spiral Flag)
• Costus lucanusianus (African Spiral Flag)
• Costus malortieanus (Stepladder Ginger)
• Costus productus (Costus)
• Costus sp. (Spiral Ginger)
• Costus spicatus, Alpinia spicata (Red Button Ginger, Spiked Spiralflag, French Kiss)