Alpinia zerumbet
Shell Ginger, Shell Flower
Zingiberaceae
Perennials, Flowers
ALPINIAThese tropical beauties grow from rhizomes that produce leafy clumps. Plants are evergreen in Zones 22–24, H1, and H2; roots are hardy to about 15°F (–9°C). The tops die back in prolonged cool winter weather, but new shoots appear in spring. Ginger lilies need good soil and protection from wind. They must be established for at least 2 years before they will bloom. Each year, remove canes that have flowered.
Alpinia zerumbetFrom tropical Asia and Polynesia comes the grandest of gingers (to 8–9 ft. tall and 3–4 ft. wide) and the one with the best year-round appearance. The dark green leaves are shiny, 2 ft. long and 5 in. wide, with distinct parallelveins; leafstalks are maroon at maturity. Waxy white or pinkish, shell-like, fragrant flowers marked red, purple, or brown hang in clusters from archingstems in late summer. Theleaves of ‘Variegata’ are heavily striped or banded with yellow.
Alpinia zerumbet
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