Red Ginger
Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) isn’t just a plant—it’s a total showstopper. With towering stems and bold red or pink bracts, this tropical beauty turns any garden into a lush, exotic retreat. Native to the South Pacific, it’s loved around the world for its dramatic look and easygoing attitude (as long as it’s warm and humid!).
Despite the name, red ginger isn’t used for cooking like true ginger (Zingiber officinale). Instead, it’s a star in the ornamental world. It’s also called “ostrich plume” for its feathery bracts and is a favorite in tropical floral arrangements. You’ll often see it featured in Hawaiian leis or used in lush resort landscaping.
Think red ginger’s got flair? It’s in good company. It belongs to the ginger family, which includes stunning relatives like torch ginger (Etlingera elatior), known for its towering inflorescences; shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), with striped leaves and pink flower clusters; and yellow ginger lily (Hedychium flavescens) and white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium), both known for their fragrance and butterfly appeal.
Looking for bold color? Try the sunset hues of dense ginger lily (Hedychium densiflorum) or the spectacular Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) with golden-yellow blooms and red stamens.
Red ginger loves warmth, humidity, and attention—but in return, it’ll give your space tropical vibes, exotic flowers, and a garden that feels like a vacation.
