Alpinia purpurata

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.

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Alpinia rugosa

This is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial with subterranean stems and leafy stalks that grow to about three feet tall. The leaves are spectacularly ruffled.

Alpinia sp.

Alpinia vittata, Alpinia albolineata, Alpinia sanderae, Alpinia tricolor

Narrow dark green leaves are boldly variegated with white and cream striping.

Alstroemeria sp.

Many hybrids and about 190 cultivars have been developed, with different markings and colors, ranging from white, golden yellow, orange, to apricot, pink, red, purple and lavender. Alstroemeria leaves are 'resupinate' which means they grow upside down, with the leaf twisting as it grows out from the stem so that the bottom faces upwards.

Excellent in garden containers and in flowerbeds and borders. They also make good cut flowers with an exceptionally long vase life.

Provide a sunny location in areas with cool summers, but in Florida and other hot summer regions, plant in shade.