Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' (Variegated Shell Ginger)
Botanical Information
Family | Zingiberaceae |
Genus | Alpinia |
Species | zerumbet |
Cultivar | 'Variegata' |
Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
Origin | Eastern Asia for the species. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 8 - 10 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c-H5 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -15 - 5 |
Temperature (°F) | 5 - 41 |
Height | 0.6 - 1.2 m |
Spread | 0.6 - 1.2 m |
Growth | Medium |
Flowering Period | June, July, August |
Description and Growing Information
General Description | A plant that grows in upright clumps which has a ginger-like aroma. |
Cultivation | Prefers full sun to part shade with moist soil. Prune as needed to control size. |
Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Flower buds resemble seashells. |
Leaf Description | Lance-shaped, about 60 cm long and 13 cm wide. |
Flower Description | Flowers 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 Description | Flowers are white to pink, with yellow inside lips and red throat. Leaves are dark green with varied yellow stripes. |
Texture Description | Flower buds are waxy. |