Alpinia
( al - PIN - ee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationAlso called Ginger Lily or Shell Ginger, this genus includes tropical flowering perennials that grow from rhizomes and have a clumping habit. These plants enjoy light shade and ample water in the landscape. Native to Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, they are evergreen in their native range and other tropical locales; elsewhere they are considered deciduous. New shoots appear in spring after winter dormancy. Shell Gingers need good soil and protection from wind to thrive. If conditions are right, they will bloom after two years of growth. Most species of Alpinia has aromatic foliage and roots that smell a bit like ginger or camphor, especially when bruised or crushed. Some species are cultivated for their edible parts, though others should be avoided due to skin and stomach irritation. Use Alpinia to add a tropical look to mixed beds and borders, as a greenhouse or indoor plant, or simply as a specimen for its impressive show of flowers.
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Alpinia Species and Varietals
Alpinia is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and was named by Carl Linnaeus after the 17th-century Italian botanist Prospero Alpini. The genus includes both edible and ornamental species. Alpinia grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 14-24, H1 and H2, though growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Alipinia aquatica (Aquatic Ginger, Aquatic Galangal, Shui Shan Jiang, Lengkuas, Meroyan Siamang, Munkanang) This species is native to southern India and western Melesia. It was first described by Anders Jahan Retzuis and was renamed by William Roscoe. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7 (with protection) or 8-11. Individual plants can reach up to between 2 and 8 feet tall when mature. Requires consistently moist to wet soil and thrives when used around water features like ponds or water bowls. |
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Alpinia arctiflora (Pleated Ginger, Snow Ginger, Booroogum) This species is endemic to northern Queensland, and can reach 10 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are white with a yellow tint in the center, and bloom from August to April. These plants make great pollinator plants for tropical gardens, and are tolerant of heat and humidity. They appreciate moist but well-draining soil. Leaves are green and lanceolate. This species does well in tropical and subtropical areas. |
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Alpinia caerulea (Native Ginger, Australian Ginger, Jun Jun, Blueberry Ginger, Wild Ginger) This plant is native to rainforests, gallery forests and wet sclerophyll areas in Australia and New Guinea. Individual plants produce upright clumps of foliage to 6 feet tall and produce dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that develop into bright blue, edible berries (hence the common name, Blueberry Ginger). Rhizomes and young shoots have a mild, spicy ginger-like flavor and fragrance. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b, and is frost intolerant. |
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Alpinia galanga (Greater Galangal, Lengkuas, Blue Ginger, Siamese Ginger, Thai Ginger, Lengkuas, Java Galangal) Native to south and southeastern Asia, this species has a rhizome that is used in cooking and medicine in Asian countries, most famously in Tom Ka Kai soup and curries from Thailand. Flowers are white and varieties bear red or black fruits. Individual plants reach up to 6-10 feet tall and form clumps of long, glossy green foliage and thick, aromatic rhizomes. This species does best in USDA hardiness zones 9-12 as a perennial and 7-8 as an annual plant. |
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Alpinia nigra (Black Galangal, Wild Ginger, Bamboo-Leaved Galangal, Tora Ginger, Jangli Ada, Pullei) Endemic to southeastern Asia, this biennial species' rhizome root is commonly used in medicine and cuisine. Flowers are light pink, and the plant reaches about 10 feet tall at maturity. Leaves are wide, oblong-lanceolate and glossy green. This species does best in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11b. |
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Alpinia nutans (Shellflower, Dwarf Cardomom, False Cardamom, Cinnamon Ginger) This multi-use plant is native to southeastern Asia, and can reach between 2 and 5 feet tall. The flower has a single fertile stamen and foliage is evergreen in areas without frost conditions. Although this plant is called Dwarf Cardomom commonly, this is due to the plant smelling of Cardomom, not because the plant produces the spice. Flowers are white with yellow and red markings. Best in USDA zones 9b-11; hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. |
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Alpinia purpurata (Red Ginger, Ostrich Plume, Cone Ginger Plant) Native to the Pacific Islands, this species can grow to reach 9-12 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with 2.5 foot long glossy green leaves. It blooms in late summer and produces brilliant inflorescences of red bracts and small white flowers. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10b-11. There is some evidence that this species is can cause digestive issues when consumed and skin irritation when touched. |
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Alpinia vittata (Alpinia sanderae) (Variegated Ginger, Striped Narrow Leaf Ginger, Sander's Ginger, Ornamental Ginger) This species of Alpinia grows to 3-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Striped leaves are 8 inches long. This species makes a great container plant, but will rarely bloom in temperate regions. Variegated Ginger does well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. |
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Alpinia zerumbet (Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa) (Shell Ginger, Shell Flower) Native to tropical Asia and Polynesia, this Ginger Lily has the best year-round appearance. Growing to 8-9 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, it has dark green shiny leaves with parallel veins. Leafstalks are maroon when mature. Waxy white or pink shell-like flowers are marked red, purple or brown and hang in clusters from arching stems in late summertime. 'Variegata' has leaves that are heavily striped with yellow. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. |
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Caring for Alpinia
These plants are relatively low-maintenance additions to gardens and greenhouses, though they are sensitive to cooler temperatures, and in temperate zones are best grown in containers or as indoor or greenhouse specimens. They are typically purchased as a bare root or as a specimen from a reputable grower. Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to light shade, with extra shade during the peak temperature hours in the late afternoon. A sheltered space is ideal, where plants will be protected from drying winds and low humidity. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Alpinia plants generally appreciate consistently moist soils. There are some species, such as Alpinia aquatica, that can handle boggy environments, but most species will need soil to drain well to thrive. Do not let soil dry out too much between waterings, especially during the active growing and blooming periods in spring and summer. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants. Deadheading Alpinia blooms will not encourage more to form, as they only bloom on older growth. Alpinia plants will need to be divided every two to five years for best health. For instructions on how to divide Alpinias, see the Propagation section below. Most Alpinia plants are considered long-lived perennials, and due to their clump-forming nature, can persist for decades or more in the landscape.
Growing Alpinia in Containers
Alpinia plants can be grown either in the ground or in containers. Due to their tropical nature, many gardeners in temperate or cooler zones will grow Shell Ginger in containers so that they can be moved to a frost-free location over the cooler months of the year and placed back outside when temperatures warm again in spring. Keep in mind that if you are overwintering these plants indoors and allowing the foliage to die back each cold season, they will not bloom, as flowers only appear on older growth. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom and is a few inches taller and deeper than the root ball. Fill with a well-draining but water-retentive potting mix amended with organic matter, compost, and vermiculite. Alpinia grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mist plants regularly to keep the air around them relatively humid. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season.
Growing Alpinia Indoors
Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom and is a few inches taller and deeper than the root ball. Fill with a well-draining but water-retentive potting mix amended with organic matter, compost, and vermiculite. Alpinia grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mist plants regularly to keep the air around them relatively humid, and ensure that the plant is not placed in a drafty area, such as near a door or air conditioner vent. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season.
Harvesting Alpinia
Alpinia plants are harvested for their fragrant rhizome roots, berries, leaves, or young shoots. The rhizome is the most commonly cultivated plant part. Species that are cultivated for their edible parts include Alpinia caerulea, Alpinia galanga, Alpinia nigra, and Alpinia nutans. Plants are harvested after about 8 months, when plants reach over 3 feet tall. The entire plant is dug up and young rhizome offshoots are harvested, leaving the main root intact to be replanted. Older, more established roots do not have the same strong flavor or pleasant texture as younger roots do. After harvesting, rinse and lay roots out to dry. For immediate use, roots can be stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, roots should be dehydrated by cutting them and then placing the pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet in an oven on the lowest setting. Check roots every few hours for moisture. Fully dried root can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry cupboard. Dried roots can be powdered to make tea. Roots have an aromatic, citrusy-pine flavor and are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, stir-fries, and curries. Above-ground parts of Alpinia plants that are consumed include young shoots, leaves and berries. Young shoots are harvested and used fresh as a vegetable in stir-fries. Leaves are commonly used as a wrap in traditional southeast dishes like Zongzi or Muchi, and to flavor noodle dishes. The berries produced by these plants after flowers have faded will range in color depending on the species cultivated. They can be eaten fresh or dried, and are considered a medicinal spice.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Alpinia plants generally appreciate consistently moist soils. There are some species, such as Alpinia aquatica, that can handle boggy environments, but most species will need soil to drain well to thrive. Do not let soil dry out too much between waterings, especially during the active growing and blooming periods in spring and summer. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants. Deadheading Alpinia blooms will not encourage more to form, as they only bloom on older growth. Alpinia plants will need to be divided every two to five years for best health. For instructions on how to divide Alpinias, see the Propagation section below. Most Alpinia plants are considered long-lived perennials, and due to their clump-forming nature, can persist for decades or more in the landscape.
Growing Alpinia in Containers
Alpinia plants can be grown either in the ground or in containers. Due to their tropical nature, many gardeners in temperate or cooler zones will grow Shell Ginger in containers so that they can be moved to a frost-free location over the cooler months of the year and placed back outside when temperatures warm again in spring. Keep in mind that if you are overwintering these plants indoors and allowing the foliage to die back each cold season, they will not bloom, as flowers only appear on older growth. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom and is a few inches taller and deeper than the root ball. Fill with a well-draining but water-retentive potting mix amended with organic matter, compost, and vermiculite. Alpinia grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mist plants regularly to keep the air around them relatively humid. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season.
Growing Alpinia Indoors
Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom and is a few inches taller and deeper than the root ball. Fill with a well-draining but water-retentive potting mix amended with organic matter, compost, and vermiculite. Alpinia grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mist plants regularly to keep the air around them relatively humid, and ensure that the plant is not placed in a drafty area, such as near a door or air conditioner vent. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season.
Harvesting Alpinia
Alpinia plants are harvested for their fragrant rhizome roots, berries, leaves, or young shoots. The rhizome is the most commonly cultivated plant part. Species that are cultivated for their edible parts include Alpinia caerulea, Alpinia galanga, Alpinia nigra, and Alpinia nutans. Plants are harvested after about 8 months, when plants reach over 3 feet tall. The entire plant is dug up and young rhizome offshoots are harvested, leaving the main root intact to be replanted. Older, more established roots do not have the same strong flavor or pleasant texture as younger roots do. After harvesting, rinse and lay roots out to dry. For immediate use, roots can be stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, roots should be dehydrated by cutting them and then placing the pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet in an oven on the lowest setting. Check roots every few hours for moisture. Fully dried root can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry cupboard. Dried roots can be powdered to make tea. Roots have an aromatic, citrusy-pine flavor and are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, stir-fries, and curries. Above-ground parts of Alpinia plants that are consumed include young shoots, leaves and berries. Young shoots are harvested and used fresh as a vegetable in stir-fries. Leaves are commonly used as a wrap in traditional southeast dishes like Zongzi or Muchi, and to flavor noodle dishes. The berries produced by these plants after flowers have faded will range in color depending on the species cultivated. They can be eaten fresh or dried, and are considered a medicinal spice.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Division is the best method for propagating these tropical beauties, and will need to be completed every 2 to 5 years for ongoing plant health. The best time of the year to divide Alpinia plants is in early springtime, just as new above-ground growth is emerging. To complete this task, you'll need a clean shovel, a pot (if you will not be planting your Alpinia divisions in the ground), and nutrient-rich, well-draining potting soil amended with organic compost. Once you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below:
- Dig the root ball out of the ground with your shovel or a fork and lay it out on the ground. Separate the rhizomes with your hands. The divisions do not necessarily need to have any shoots growing from them. As long as the root divisions look and feel healthy, they'll grow.
- Prepare your pot or planting area by filling with amended soil and placing your rhizome clump so that the top is about an inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and mulch the surface to ensure water retention. Water generously.
- Follow care instructions above.
Problems and Pests
Alpinia plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Leaf Spot
- Spider Mites
- Root Rot
- Stalk Rot
Gallery
Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'.
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The flowers of Alpinia zerumbet.
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These are great when planted in large clumps to hide foundations and soften corners of buildings.
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Videos
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All about growing Alpinia purpurata, a video that can be used as a care guide for many species of Alpinia.
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How to grow and repot Alpinia
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 147, Alpinia
