Gingers

One of the best advantages to growing gingers is that they are disease and pest free. There are no pests or diseases that only affect gingers. Caterpillars, snails, slugs or grasshoppers might chew holes in the tender new growth but a snail bait can help alleviate these pests. Spider mites have been reported to be a problem in greenhouses, but this has been due to poor air circulation. Treating with an insecticidal soap and removing all dead and sick leaves from plants will help. Rarely, aphids have been seen on gingers, treat with insecticidal soap.

Gingers are very easy to propagate! An easy form of propagation is to divide the rhizomes in established clumps. Gingers are usually divided in the spring just around the time they start to emerge from their winter dormancy. As soon as the weather warms up, Hedychiums are one of the first to emerge with Alpinias, Zingibers, and Curcumas following later. Globbas and Kaempferia sometimes will not emerge until late May or June because shaded areas take longer for the soil to warm up to 70 degrees. Some gingers can be propagated by seed. Some Costus and Hedychium species will produce seed outdoors naturally without the aid of hand pollination. Some Curcuma do not make seeds at all. Forcing seeds indoors is a challenge! One way is to collect seeds from plants when seeds have matured. Plant immediately into planting medium and grow under grow lights with a plastic sheet covering the tray to retain moisture. Just as seeds emerge, take away plastic cover. Keep seedlings moist and adjust grow lights as the seedlings grow. Seeds of the Zingiber family have a short viability window so even when carefully tended, some seeds will not germinate. Costus, Globba, Hedychium and Zingiber can be propagated by stem cuttings.

Alpinia - This is the largest genus in the Zingiberaceae family with over 150 species. Most have attractive foliage while others are coveted for their large floral racemes. A few species have a spicy fragrance when their leaves are crushed. Some species are hardy to Zone 8. However, they bloom on second year's growth so if the plant freezes back, the next year's bloom is lost. Even though the bloom is lost, this is still a striking foliage plant for garden. Alpinia can be propagated by rhizome division. Alpinia zerumbet is the best known of this genus for its beautiful bloom that looks like a string of soft pink shells, hence its common name, "Shell Ginger". This is an excellent cut flower. Canes that have flowered should be removed at the end of the season. Some species are used for spice and food. AIpinia species are native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, tropical Australia and the Pacific Islands.

AIpinia galanga - Common name: Galanga. part shade to sun. Grows to 6 feet with spike of small cerise pink and white striped flowers. This is the only Alpinia that will bloom every year regardless of a freeze! Zone 8.

AIpinia zerumbet - Common name: Shell Ginger. This species can be grown in sun. Blooms on previous year's canes. Flowers are breath-taking racemes 12 - 18 inches long and white/pink in color. Foliage is dark green, leathery, long bladed, aromatic and beautiful! Clumps can get 6 - 8 feet wide and 8 - 10 feet tall. Zone 8.

AIpinia zerumbet variegata - Common Name: Varigated Shell Ginger. Leaf variegation is a creamy yellow. Culture is same as above. There is also a dwarf variety of this species. Afternoon shade keeps good color on the foliage.

Costus - A few years ago, taxonomists separated Costaceae from the Zingiberaceae family. Costus are basically different from other gingers because they have a true stem and the leaves are spirally arranged around the stem. This leaf arrangement has inspired the name, "Spiral Ginger". Costus are usually grown alongside gingers because they have similar growing requirements. They also compliment each other with a variety of colored inflorescences and unusual leaf arrangement. Some species like Costus pulverulentus have brightly colored inflorescences with small flowers that attract hummingbirds while other species like Costus laucus have bigger more colorful flowers with drab inflorescences that attract bees. All Costus can be propagated by stem cuttings. These are taken near the growing tip and laid horizontally in 1/2 inch of soil. Rhizome division is the most common form of propagation. Some species can be grown from seed. Costus pulverulentus, Costus speciosus and Costus spicatus are all stunning and long lasting cut flowers. Most Costus are found in Central and South America with a few found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Costus barbatus - Common name: Red Tower Ginger. blooms in spring which yellow flowers on a red inflorescence. The common name refers to the inflorescence which continues to grow for months reaching a foot in length. It will only bloom if not frozen back. Part shade/part sun. 7 feet high. Spiral stems and large green leaves. Zone 8.

Costus cuspidatus/igneus - Common name: Fiery Ginger. Part shade/shade. Grows to 2 feet in the shade. Large bright orange flowers on a stout stem usually seen in the fall, but often flowers in the spring. Zone 9.

Costus speciosus - Common name: Crepe Ginger. Aptly named for the tissue thin white blossoms that look like finely pleated crepe fabric. Long lasting , gorgeous red inflorescence that in Fall overflows with fertile black seeds. Medium to full sun. Height to 7 feet. Zone 8.

Costus spicatus - Common name: Spiral Ginger. Part shade/part sun. Height to 5 feet. Produces long lived red cones in summer which make a great cut flower. Attract hummingbirds. Zone 8.

Costus pulverulentus - Common name: Spiral Ginger. Common name refers to the large leaves that spiral around the cane-like stem. Orange red inflorescence attract hummingbirds. Good cut flower. Very hardy. Part shade/part sun. Height to 5 feet. Zone 8.

Curcuma - Commonly called "Hidden Gingers" because the flower stem is shorter that the height of the surrounding leaves which causes the observer to "search" for the hidden flower. Curcuma can be divided into two groups. Spring bloomers bloom before leaves appear, usually in May. Summer bloomers bloom from midsummer and continue until the early Fall. Curcuma species are excellent foliage plants with large banana-like leaves. Their height can vary from 1 - 8 feet. In fall, the leaves of the Curcuma are the first in the garden to yellow and die as the evenings get cooler. Even before the first frost, the curcuma will yellow and lay down their leaves in preparation for their winter dormancy. Many cultures use different species for food, spices or medicines. Curcuma is native to IndoMaylasia and China. Most species of this genus are propagated by rhizome division. Several species have fingers on their rhizomes which are really offshoots of the main rhizome. Each finger can be broken off and planted. Curcuma species make great cut flowers. The foliage makes for handsome filler in large cut flower arrangements.

Curcuma elata - Common name: Giant Plume Ginger. Part shade/Part sun. Height can reach 8 feet. Large pink inflorescences emerge in spring before leaves. Huge banana-like leaves. Can withstand stronger sun than most Curcumas. Zone 8.

Curcuma petiolata - Common name: Hidden Ginger. Part shade/part sun. Height to 3 feet. Soft pink inflorescences in summer hidden by broad leaves. The leaves of this plant gently sway even in the still of a summer's day. Very cold hardy. Zone 7b.

Curcuma roscoeana - Common name: Jewel of Burma or Orange Hidden Ginger. Shade. Height to 2 feet. Large bold orange inflorescence emerge as green and gradually turn orange. Great cut flower. Rhizome rots if not kept dry over the winter, so best suited for pot culture with a good soil mixture. In the growing season, place pot in a shady spot in the garden but as evenings cool in the fall, remove and place in a dry protected location. Zone 9.

Globba - This genus consists of shade plants ranging in height from 2 - 5 feet. They are attractive foliage plants but are known for their unusual small pendant flowers which are called, "Dancing Ladies". Globba is native to South China and Indomalaysia. There are many ways to propagate this genus. Clumps of plants can be divided but one should be careful because the rhizomes are so small they could easily get damaged. Most species can be propagated by stem cuttings. Stem cuttings can be placed horizontally in water until plantlets sprout. The old stem is gently cut away from the plantlets. The plantlets are then planted in potting soil. Many species produce bulbils which are small beige-white balls appearing along the stem and into the inflorescence. These bulbils will naturally drop off and become buried in the garden soil to emerge the following year. These bulbils can be removed, but dry up quickly after being harvested. Plant quickly into a moist growing medium and be patient. The flowers of the Globba species are excellent cut flowers which can last up to one month in a vase.

Globba globulifera - Common name: Purple Globe Ginger. Shade. Height to 2 feet. Common name refers to the purple globe-shaped inflorescence in summer. Zone 8.

Globba schomburgkii - Common name: Yellow dancing Lady. Shade. Height to 2 feet. Yellows flowers in summer. Very hardy. This species produces volumes of bulbils which will create quite a large mass of beautiful arching plants in the following seasons.

Globba winitii - Common name: Mauve Dancing Lady. Shade. Height to 2 feet. Beautiful shade plant with delicate light green foliage. Loose nodding inflorescence with purple and yellow flowers in late summer and fall which can last up to four weeks as a cut flower. Zone 8.

Hedychium - The name comes from the Greek "hedys" meaning sweet and "chion" meaning snow which describes the heavenly fragrance and beautiful color of Hedychium coronarium. The flowers of this genus are well known for their butterfly shape hence the common name, "Butterfly ginger". These flowers attract butterflies and sphinx moths. Species are usually erect, standing 3 - 8 feet tall. Most are hardy in Zone 7. A freeze will force them into dormancy but they are the first gingers to come up in the spring. Hedychiums can tolerate more sun than other gingers. They are also tolerant of heavy wet soils and some can even survive in water (Hedychium coronarium) . Plants bloom on new year's growth. As canes finish flowering in the summer, they should be cut off at the ground level to encourage new growth. Hedychium are native to Madagascar, Indomalaysia, and southwest China. In India, the oils from the roots have been dried and powdered to create incense and scented face powder. Plants are propagated by rhizome division. Propagation is also achieved by stem cuttings. Long stem cuttings can be placed horizontally on the ground and covered with 2 inches of leaf mulch. Most Hedychium species will produce seeds and can be hand pollinated which creates one of the most popular gingers to hybridize. Hedychiums can be used as a cut flower, but individual flowers last only a day. Spent flowers should be removed to keep the cut flower arrangement looking neat.

Hedychium coccineum - Common name: Bottle Brush Ginger. Part shade/Part sun. Height to 8 feet. Tall thin species with long spike of small orange-red flowers. Quite spectacular. Zone 8.

Hedychiuum coronarium - Common name: White Butterfly Ginger. Part shade/part sun. May be grown in full sun if watered abundantly (otherwise leaves will curl and tips will brown). Height to 6 feet. Large 3 inch white butterfly-shaped flowers emerge from a green con-like bract. Strong gardenia-like fragrance. The fragrance seems to grow stronger toward early evening hours as the moths come out. Can be grown in bog conditions. Beautiful red seeds emerge from a bright orange seed pod. Zone 8.

Hedychium flavescens - Common name: Yellow Buttery Ginger. Part shade/Part sun. Height to 6 feet. Flowers are similar to Hedychium coronarium, but with a darker yellow center in late summer and early fall. Zone 7b.

Kaempferia - Species of this genus are often called "Peacock Gingers" because of the striking pattern in the leaves. Plants are short and rarely grow taller than 2 feet which make them a perfect ground cover for shady areas. Most plants have small purple or purple and white flowers which appear in late spring and last through out summer. Some species bloom in spring even before the leaves emerge (Kaempferia rotunda). Plants are native to tropical Africa and southeast Asia. Plant clumps can be divided in spring.

Kaempferia atrovirens - Common name: Silver Peacock Ginger. Shade. Height to 4 inches. Attractive foliage plant for ground cover. The leaves are patterned in silver, brown and black with little or no green showing. Hardy. Zone 8.

Kaempferia pulchra "Silverspot". Shade. Height to 5 inches. Shimmering lavender flowers appear in spring after leaves emerge and continues until fall. Leaves have a nice feather or peacock pattern on a bronze background. Zone 8.

Kaempferia rotunda - Common name: Resurrection Lily. Common name refers to the white and purple flowers that appear at ground level in spring before any foliage appears. Leaves enjoy a silver feather pattern with dark purple underneath. Shade. Height to 2 feet. Zone 8.

Zingiber - There are many common names for the Zingiber species which include, "Edible Ginger", named for Zingiber officinale whose rhizomes are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. "Pine Cone Ginger" and "Shampoo Ginger" is aptly name for the large basal flower that resembles a pine cone. This cone oozes a sweet fragrant liquid used as a shampoo in some native societies and in some modern day shampoos. Many species are used as foliage plants because of their attractive leaves. Most have basal cone inflorescences which often emerge green and turn red when the flowers fade. Plants range in height from 2 - 8 feet. Zingiber is native to eastern Asia, Indomalaysia and northern Australia. Plant clumps can be divided in spring by rhizome division. Stem cuttings can be laid horizontally on the ground and covered with 2 inches of leaf mulch. The cone inflorescence of Zingiber zerumbet is often used in cut flower arrangements after its has turned a deep rich red.

Zingiber officinale Common name: Edible Ginger, Full sun. Height to 3 feet. This plant is grown for the tasty rhizome (root spice). Ginger spice was a favorite in Roman times who in turn introduced into Britain and became a favorite spice in Anglo Saxon recipes. To grow this spice, select a nice thick moist rhizome from the grocery store. Plant in well draining container or directly into garden soil. Place in a sunny location. Encourage root development with a root stimulator, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. To harvest rhizomes which will be used fresh or in preserves, dig up young small rhizomes and peel them. For drying, the root must be kept in a dry place or it will start to sprout which spoils the flavor. The roots take almost 12 months to develop from the time they are planted to the the time they are harvested so do not use the root under a year's growth. Be sure to leave enough rhizome to replenish the supply.

Zingiber zerumbet - Common name: Pine Cone Ginger or Shampoo Ginger. Part shade/part sun. Height to 7 feet. It is sometimes used in commercial shampoos. Green inflorescences emerge on a separate stalk from the ground. After it finishes blooming, the cone turns a scarlet red which will ooze a fragrant juice when squeezed. Gorgeous cut flower. Zone 8.

Zingiber zerumbet "Darcyi" - Common name: Variegated Pinecone Ginger. Part shade/part sun. Height to 4 feet. Culture same as above but with beautiful white leaf variegation. Same spectacular pine cone inflorescence. Can take a bit more sun which helps to maintain leaf variegation. Zone 8.

COMMON NAME MISNOMERS

Dichorisandra thrysiflora - Common name: Blue Ginger. NOT A TRUE GINGER but a member of the Spiderwort family. They are often grown with gingers because of its similar appearance and culture. Height to 5 feet. Part shade/part sun. Blooms late summer to fall with bluish purple flower spikes. Zone 8.