Alpinia zerumbet variegata * Variegated Shell Ginger
Alpinia zerumbet variegata is a stunning specimen plant. The boldly variegated leaves stand out even when the Shell Ginger is not blooming. The sprays of flowers at the tips of the canes are white on the outside and have yellow and red markings inside. White Flowers - Yellow Flowers - Red Flowers Alpinia zerumbet variegata grows to 6 feet or more tall and wide. The canes arch away from the roots. Leaving enough room for the canes to take their natural shape is important to allow for the grace of this fragrant ginger. Alpinia zerumbet variegata does fairly well with a low water diet in a shaded garden. Watering once a week is adequate for all but the best drained soils. The Variegated Shell Ginger will grow in full sun at the coast but burns easily on the hottest days. The greatest weakness of Alpinia zerumbet variegata is that it is very frost sensitive. Since the leaves stay on the plant for a season or two damage lasts for a very long time.
Side view Flowers and foliage of Alpinia zerumbet variegata the Variegated Shell Ginger. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.
Other Ginger plants featured on this site:
Hedychium coronarium
Hedychium gardnerianum
Hedychium gardnerianum Tara
Hedychium greenii