Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)

Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger) is a tropical evergreen perennial forming a lush upright clump of lance-shaped, shiny, dark green leaves, 2 ft. long (60 cm), with distinct parallel veins. The long, graceful leaves give off a ginger aroma when crushed. Waxy white or pinkish, shell-like, fragrant flowers adorned with red, purple, or brown hang in clusters from the ends of arching leafy stems in summer. Shell Ginger grows from rhizomes that creep along the soil surface. Shell ginger is commercially grown as a spice, food, medicine, and ornamental in most tropical regions of the world today. Great for tropical gardens, containers, and greenhouses, as a houseplant or garden annual, it creates a wonderful, dense foliage display when planted in mass. Shell Ginger ranks as a top choice among tropical flowers for enthusiasts and gardeners.

• Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). Will reach 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) in the greenhouse and 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) as a houseplant
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Best in a wind-sheltered location.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mites.
• Prune as needed to control plant size.
• Propagated by division of the crowded clumps.
• Native to northeastern India, Burma (Myanmar), Indo-China, China, and Japan, it has been actively cultivated as an ornamental across Southeast Asia and many tropical and subtropical countries.
• Alpinia zerumbet is considered a noxious weed in Cuba, and invasive in many Pacific countries including Fiji, French Polynesia, Palau, and New Caledonia. The Global Invasive Species Programme lists A. zerumbet as an invasive weed in South Africa.