About
A clump-forming, aromatic, rhizomatous perennial from India and Southeast Asia with two-ranked, broadly lance-shaped, dark green leaves on erect stems and a cone-like inflorescence of overlapping bracts. A little-known species for warm, humid tropical glasshouse conditions.
About the genus
Zingiber are aromatic rhizomatous perennials with alternate, oblong leaves in two ranks, and cone-like inflorescences with overlapping, sometimes brightly coloured bracts, and 3-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTropical Asia
Care notes
CultivationPlant in rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil in filtered sunlight and high humidity, either directly in the border of a heated greenhouse, or in a container indoors
PruningCut back old stems as they die back in the autumn
PropagationFrom pieces of plump, fresh rhizome with well-developed growth buds, planted in well-drained, moisture retentive compost, in temperatures of 25-28C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free