Ginger - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Alpinia argentea (Yellow Ginger Lily)

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' (Variegated ginger) is a small shrub native to South Africa that grows to a height of 2 - 5 feet. The foliage is a glossy green with white and off-white striping, adding interest to the garden.

When planting, gingers prefer soils that are kept moist, so watering regularly is important. In cold regions, it is best planted in a pot as mature plants are cold hardy only to at least 30s F for a short period of time. In order to survive harsh winters, the pot can be brought indoors.

To promote healthy growth, the soil should be well drained with plenty of organic matter. Fertilize twice a year, once in the spring and again in the summer with a balanced organic fertilizer. To further ensure the health of the plant, remove any dead foliage and flowers.

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' is a great choice for the home garden. The colorful foliage and variety of flowers make this species a great ornamental in any garden. With appropriate care and water, this plant is sure to provide pleasure in the garden for many years.

Galanga is an herb used in cooking, especially in Indonesian and Thai cuisines. It is one of four plants known as galangal, and is differentiated from the others with the common name greater galangal (or simply Thai galangal). The galangals are also called blue ginger or Thai ginger.

A. galanga is called laos in Indonesian and is the most common form of galangal used in cooking. It is also known as lengkuas and galanga root.

This fragrant ginger looks like a dwarf bamboo bush. This Ginger boasts dark green leaves with red undersides. Bamboo Ginger is also a fragrant ginger that looks like a dwarf bamboo bush with a great clumping habit. Perfect patio container plant. Prefers some shade. Mature height of 2-3'. Reaches 2-3' and produces flowers.

The specific epithet luteocarpa means yellow fruit.

Extremely tropical looking, one of the most desirable symbols of Tropics, Alpinia purpurata, red ginger, also called ostrich plume and pink cone ginger, are native Malaysian plants with showy flowers on long brightly colored red bracts. They look like the bloom, but the true flower is the small white flower on top. Red Ginger grows in Hawaii, and many Central American nations, including Belize. It is also found in Samoa, where it is the national flower, and is locally called "teuila." It prefers partial shade and moist humid conditions, although it can tolerate full sun in some climates. It tends to like to be well watered and not left to dry out. Ginger can also be grown as a houseplant and its cut flowers can be used in arrangements. Likes a slightly acid soil. Every other year trim to ground to prevent legginess. Blooms from spring to summer if there is enough humidity.

See Article about Alpinia.

Alpinia zerumbet is called a "shell ginger" or "shell flower" most commonly, because its individual pink flowers, especially when in bud, resemble sea shells.

Alpinia zerumbet is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia nutans

The Cautleya sp. ginger is an excellent choice when looking for an ornamental foliage plant, as it displays large, variegated leaves. These leaves are yellow green in color, tinged with maroon underneath, and when mature can reach up to twenty-eight inches in length. During the summer, the plant will send up tropical-looking, crimson-bracted spikes that are adorned with stunning vinous-colored flowers with yellow and orange accents. The sight is truly something special!

This hardy ginger is native to northern India, the Himalayas and China. In these regions, it typically grows in light shade or semi-shade and prefers a moist, well-draining soil. It is mature plant cold-hardy at least to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time, making it ideal for growing in USDA Zones 7 -10. For those in colder regions who wish to grow this plant in a pot, it is recommended to choose a variety that is cold-hardy in your area, and to bring it indoors during the winter. This is especially true for those in areas with hard freezes.

Growers will find that this is a low-maintenance and undemanding plant. It is known to be pest and disease free, and does not require pruning, fertilizing or staking. Cautleya sp. does best when planted in an area that receives light shade or semi-shade, and in moist, well-draining soil. During the summer months, it is important to water the plant deeply to ensure that it has enough moisture. While Cautleya sp. can tolerate some drought, it is best to keep the soil moist as it will help to prevent wilting. The flowers of this plant can be cut and used as cut flowers in arrangements if desired.

Care of Cautleya sp. is relatively straightforward. It is important to note that this plant can be invasive, so it is best to plant it in an area where it will not spread too far. With proper care, the Cautleya sp. ginger can make a stunning addition to any garden. Its striking foliage and vibrant blooms will bring a taste of the tropics to any outdoor space.

Cornukaempferia is a rhizomatous genus in the Zingiberaceae family found only in Thailand.

The Orange Peacock Ginger is prized for its silver and green patterned leaves, which have bronze-purple undersides.It is an easy plant in shady, reasonably a well-drained soil.

It is similar to plants in the genus Kaempferia but it has yellow flowers.

Costus afer are very easy to grow. They require a rich well drained soil (2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 1 part sharp sand), kept on the moist side. They do well in part shade to full sun. Spiral Ginger is a very vigorous grower, that requires frequent repotting to control its size.

Costus arabicus 'Bicolor Variegated' is a striking variegated selection of spiral ginger in the Costaceae family. The species is native to tropical South America, while this cultivar is grown primarily for its colorful foliage. Upright, spiraling stems carry broad oval leaves irregularly variegated in green and creamy white, often with large pale sectors and contrasting green patches; pinkish tones may appear in young growth and along exposed stems. The variable pattern means that no two leaves are exactly alike, giving mature clumps a particularly decorative appearance. The showy flowers emerge from reddish cone-like inflorescences and are white, with a very large, broadly spreading, strongly crinkled and fringed lip surrounding a soft yellow throat. The delicate crepe-like texture of the flowers contrasts beautifully with the bold variegated foliage.

Costus arabicus 'Bicolor Variegated' grows best in bright filtered light or partial shade, which helps maintain strong variegation without scorching the pale portions of the leaves. It prefers warm, humid conditions and fertile, organic-rich, well-drained soil kept consistently moist during active growth. Regular moisture encourages lush stems and large leaves, but waterlogging should be avoided. It spreads gradually by rhizomes and can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. This frost-tender cultivar is suitable outdoors in USDA Zones 10-11 and makes an attractive container or greenhouse plant in cooler climates.