Zingiber malaysianum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Zingiber malaysianum, more commonly known as Black ginger or midnight ginger, is a small plant native to Malaysia. Growing between 2 and 5 feet tall, it requires semi-shade and regular watering to thrive. The ornamental foliage, which is a glossy deep purple-bronze in color, pairs nicely with its yellow and orange flowers in the spring and summer periods.

This semi-tropical plant is hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 and can tolerate mature temperatures of at least 30sF for a short time. When growing Black Ginger in colder regions, special care should be taken to ensure its winter survival. Planting the shrub in a container and then bringing it indoors during colder months is often recommended, as this will give the plant a greater chance at withstanding freezing temperatures.

In addition to being brought indoors during colder months, the plant must be provided with plenty of light and humidity. The soil should remain damp enough to support growth but should also be able to dry out slightly between waterings. During dry spells, Zingiber malaysianum should be watered more frequently, as it does not like to become too dry. In the summer months, additional fertilization is recommended to give the shrub a boost of nutrients and to promote healthy growth.

Overall, Zingiber malaysianum is an easy-to-care-for shrub, requiring semi-shade, regular watering, and protection during cold winter months. With its striking, glossy foliage and yellow and orange flowers, this small shrub adds both beauty and color to any garden.

Similar plants:

• Alpinia gigantifolia, Zingiber gigantifolium (Red Ginger Lily)
• Zingiber cochinchinense (Chinese Ginger)
• Zingiber collinsii (Ginger Silver Streaks)
• Zingiber gramineum (Grassy Ginger)
• Zingiber neglectum (Jewel Pagoda)
• Zingiber newmanii (Red Frogs Ginger)
• Zingiber officinale (Spice Ginger, Edible Ginger, Common Ginger, Cooking Ginger, Canton Ginger, Halia)
• Zingiber parishii (Lemon Lights)
• Zingiber pellitum (Ginger)
• Zingiber peninsulare (Red Thai Ginger)