Alpinia
( al - PIN - ee - uh )
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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.
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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. |
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Alpinia arctiflora (Pleated Ginger, Snow Ginger) 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. |
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Alpinia caerulea (Native Ginger, Australian Ginger, Jun jun) This plant is native to rainforests, gallery forests and wet sclerophyll areas in Australia and New Guinea. |
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Alpinia galanga (Greater galangal, Lengkuas, Blue Ginger) Native to south and southeast 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. |
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Alpinia nigra Endemic to southeastern Asia, this species' rhizome root is commonly used in medicine and cuisine. Flowers are light pink, and the plant reaches about 10 feet tall. |
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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. |
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Alpinia purpurata (Red Ginger) Native to the Pacific Islands, it can grow to 9-12 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with 2.5 foot long leaves. It blooms in late summer and produces brilliant inflorescences of red bracts and small white flowers. In California, this species will only bloom in a greenhouse. |
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Alpinia vittata (Alpinia sanderae) (Variegated Ginger) This species of Alpinia grows to 3-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Striped leaves are 8 inches long, and makes a great container plant, but will rarely bloom. |
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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. |
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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. 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
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
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