Variegated Shell Ginger Plant (Alpinia)

About the Variegated Shell Ginger Plant (Alpinia)

Variegated shell ginger is one of the best foliage plants for tropical and subtropical gardens. Its broad, glossy leaves are boldly striped in green and golden yellow, so a clump glows even in shade and brightens any dark corner, patio or entrance. It is more compact than the plain green shell ginger and grown mainly for its leaves, though established plants may produce the same pink-tipped, shell-like flowers. Very adaptable and easy in large pots. Available as a rhizome, a potted young plant or a flowering-size clump.

How to Care for It

To plant a rhizome, lay it horizontally 3–5 cm deep in loose, compost-rich, well-drained soil with the buds facing up, water once and keep it barely moist until shoots appear; too much water before then can rot it. Bright partial shade gives the best colour; strong afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Water regularly and trim out old or damaged canes. Feed monthly while growing and mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Sculptural flowers, fragrant blooms and edible rhizomes. Our tropical gingers include beehive ginger (awapuhi) in golden, red, pink and chocolate, shampoo ginger, red and pink torch ginger, red ginger, shell and butterfly ginger, plus culinary ginger and turmeric. Sold as rhizomes, potted plants or flowering clumps.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'

Family

Zingiberaceae

Native to

Cultivar of an East Asian species

Mature height

1–2 m

Plant spacing

1 m

Time to first flowers

2–3 years

Light

Sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Cold tolerance

down to -1 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics, Subtropical, Mild highlands

Grows in a pot

Yes

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas