Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' - Variegated Shell Ginger

Beautiful large variegated leaves and arching stems create a dramatic tropical effect; will not flower when used as an annual in colder zones; benefits from some mid-day heat protection; keep moist but not wet; great for containers, or along borders

Height: 4 feet. Spread: 4 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: (annual).

Ornamental features

Variegated Shell Ginger features showy clusters of fragrant pink flowers with white overtones at the ends of the stems from late winter to late fall. Its attractive large pointy leaves remain bluish-green in color with showy yellow variegation throughout the season.

Landscape

Variegated Shell Ginger is an herbaceous annual with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Variegated Shell Ginger will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.