About
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, the blue ginger, is an upright, rhizomatous perennial to around 1 m tall with spirally arranged, lance-shaped, glossy rich-green leaves 20�30 cm long. Dense, slender, erect spires of deep violet flowers 1�2 cm across are produced in autumn. A dramatic and richly coloured tropical plant for a heated conservatory or moist, frost-free border.
About the genus
Dichorisandra are upright, evergreen perennials from tropical South America with leaves spirally arranged or in two ranks, and three-petalled, blue or white flowers in dense racemes, followed by capsules splitting to reveal orange seeds. Grown as ornamental plants in heated glasshouses or moist, frost-free gardens.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising in grass.
Care notes
CultivationPlant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
PruningAllow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
PropagationDivide offsets or bulbils when dormant.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.