Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' (Variegated Shell Ginger)


Botanical Information

FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusAlpinia
Specieszerumbet
Cultivar'Variegata'
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginEastern Asia for the species.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8 - 10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c-H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - 5
Temperature (°F)5 - 41
Height0.6 - 1.2 m
Spread0.6 - 1.2 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA plant that grows in upright clumps which has a ginger-like aroma.
CultivationPrefers full sun to part shade with moist soil. Prune as needed to control size.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionFlower buds resemble seashells.
Leaf DescriptionLance-shaped, about 60 cm long and 13 cm wide.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are very fragrant but won’t emerge until the second year. Unlike other ginger plants, flowers grow at the end of long stems instead of directly from plant rhizomes.
Colour DescriptionFlowers are white to pink, with yellow inside lips and red throat. Leaves are dark green with varied yellow stripes.
Texture DescriptionFlower buds are waxy.

Photographs