Costaceae - Botanical Family

Costus spicatus or Red Button Ginger is a large perennial plant, usually growing 5 to 10 ft tall and wide, native to Tropical America. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that is grown for its spectacular foliage and attractive red, crimson, and vinous flowers. The foliage of Costus spicatus typically matures to a dark green color, and is often attractively variegated. The flowers of this plant typically appear in late spring or early summer, and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The aromatic foliage also serves as a very nice backdrop for the flowers.

This plant is ideal for tropical gardens and is also a great way to add interesting texture to your garden beds. The plant prefers semi-shade, and likes to be watered regularly. The preferred organic-rich soil. Plant thrives in USDA Zone 9-11 and is usually cold-hardy at least to the 30s Fahrenheit range.

Costus spicatus is one of the few species of costus that is edible. The red cone-like inflorescence of this plant, which appears after the flowers, can be harvested and eaten when ripe. The cone is usually around 2 inches long, and has a sweet flavor with a rather unusual texture. It is said to have a range of medicinal benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its edible parts are also believed to help reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system. Each mature plant can produce up to 6 cone-shaped fruits in a single season.

In cold regions, Costus spicatus can be grown in pots, as long as they are brought indoors in winter. In the winter months, care should be taken to ensure that the plants are kept in a cool, but frost-free location. Watering should be reduced in winter but used more generously in summer, when the plant is actively growing. Additionally, during the growing months, it is important to make sure that the foliage is kept clean by regular pruning and removing dead or damaged leaves.

Costus are easily distinguished from other commonly cultivated gingers because the leaves spiral around the main stem like a circular stairway. In fact they are called "spiral gingers".

Grown for its unique alternating brown and white banding on the stems, Bamboo Costus (Costus stenophyllus) is a large shrub with ornamental foliage that looks like real bamboo. This tropical beauty is known for its vibrant foliage and can be found in USDA Zones 8 -10. It can withstand short periods of temperatures as low as 30F.

When grown in a pot, Bamboo Costus is ideal for bright patios or other indoor locations. Keep in well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and provide additional water in the hot months, avoiding overly soggy soil. With the proper care, this shrub will reward your efforts with an attractive display of yellow and orange flowers at the base of a mature plant, as well as attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

Costus woodsonii, or Red Button Ginger, is a beautiful and colorful plant that is native to Central America. It is a small shrub that grows to a height and width of 2-5 ft and is suitable for USDA Zone 9-11. This plant requires semi-shade and moderate water to grow and thrive, but it is sensitive to over-watering and can be easily damaged by cold winter weather. Therefore, it is important to provide the appropriate care for this plant, particularly during colder temperatures.

One way to ensure successful growth is to use a pot with sufficient drainage and a soil that is not too demanding. The plant can also thrive in pots when given the proper care. When placed outdoors, it prefers a full sun position but can tolerate some shade. The soil should be well-draining and slightly damp, but not waterlogged. The Red Button Ginger is known for producing beautiful red, crimson, and vinous flowers throughout the year, as well as yellow and orange flowers in the winter. However, it is not frost-tolerant and may stop blooming and appear less vibrant when exposed to frost.

In addition to its decorative qualities, the Red Button Ginger also has edible yellow flowers that emerge from red cones. If you are interested in growing this plant, be sure to provide the necessary care and protection to ensure its success.

This is a soft and delicate small ginger growing with spiral stems and dark green, oval thick leaves which are about 2 inches to 2.5 inches long ( 5 to 6 cm). Large, single lemon-yellow flowers emerge at the tip of stems of graceful texture spring from a spiraling cone. It will bloom almost all year and will make a beautiful free full blooming hanging basket.

Indonesian Wax Ginger will reach 8 feet (2½ meters) tall with dark green soft leaves arranged spirally around bamboo-like stems. Leaves reach 15 inches (38 cm) in length by about 6 inches (15 cm) wide. It is an attractive plant but needs a lot of room to grow. In containers they need to be repotted often. The stately dark red, cone shape bract similar to an upside down pineapple is colossal and enhanced with vivid yellow flowers appearing within the basal bract.