Alpinia
( al - PIN - ee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationAlso called Ginger Lily or Shell Ginger, this flowering perennial is tropical and grows from rhizomes that produce clumps of plants. These plants enjoy light shade and ample water. Native to Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, they are evergreen in zones 22-24 and H1 but otherwise are deciduous. New shoots appear in spring after the plant has gone dormant over winter. These plants need good soil and protection from wind. If conditions are right, they will bloom after two years. Each year, remove spent flower stems. Most species of Alpinia has aromatic foliage and roots that smell a bit like ginger or camphor, especially when bruised or crushed.
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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 zones 14-24, H1 and H2. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Alipinia aquatica (Aquatic Ginger) This species is native to southern India and western Melesia. It was first described by Anders Jahan Retzuis and was renamed by William Roscoe. |
Alpinia nutans (Shellflower, Dwarf Cardomom) 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. |
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. |
Caring for Alpinia
These plants are relatively low-maintenance additions to gardens and greenhouses, though they are sensitive to cooler temperatures. They like a soil that is slightly acidic, rich in nutrients and well-draining. Amend soil with organic compost before planting. It is important that the soil stay moist to keep this plant performing well, so do not let your soil dry out between waterings. Apply mulch around the bottom of the plant to keep the roots moist. These plants also love humidity. Place your Alpinia in a spot where it receives full sun for most of the day, but be sure to protect it from the harshest sun during the hot parts of the day. The plant's foliage may burn in these conditions otherwise. 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.
When grown in containers, these plants will need to receive a water-soluble fertilizer about once a month during the growing and flowering seasons, and about once every two months during the dormant period in the wintertime. Alpinia does not need pruning other than to trim off dead or dying foliage, and to remove spent flower spikes.
When grown in containers, these plants will need to receive a water-soluble fertilizer about once a month during the growing and flowering seasons, and about once every two months during the dormant period in the wintertime. Alpinia does not need pruning other than to trim off dead or dying foliage, and to remove spent flower spikes.
Propagation
Division is the best method for propagating these tropical beauties. To complete this task, you'll need a clean shovel or fork, a pot (if you will not be planting your Alpinia 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.
Problems and Pests
Lack of proper soil moisture and cold temperatures can cause foliage to brown at the edges. Otherwise, these plants do not experience many pest or disease issues, other than Spider Mites. For more information on how to prevent and eradicate this issue, use the links below.
Gallery
Videos
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
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