Variegated Ginger Plants

Growing up to 10 feet tall and four feet wide, variegated ginger, also known as shell ginger, makes a large statement in the garden. Native to India, variegated ginger grows best in warm, humid conditions such as central and south Florida and South America, where it has naturalized. This perennial is hardy from USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Variegated ginger is a hardy tropical plant needing very little maintenance; it spreads via rhizomes below the soil.

Location

Plant variegated ginger where the striking foliage contrasts with other darker green plants or in a partially shaded area where the yellow-striped foliage will stand out. Variegated ginger can also be grown in a container on a patio or desk, especially if space is limited.

Growing Conditions

Variegated ginger thrives in rich, organic soil that is kept consistently moist. Variegated ginger is not frost tolerant and when exposed to frost, the leaves will turn brown and fall from the plant. As variegated ginger prefers humid conditions, spraying it with water from time to time will keep the leaves healthy and the plant happy. Do not let the variegated ginger remain in standing water or the rhizomes will rot and your plant could die.

Foliage

The foliage of variegated ginger is large, with the leaves reaching 2 feet long and 6 inches across, and striped yellow and green. Variegated ginger is grown primarily for its striking foliage.

Flowers

Flowers bloom in the early summer and last until the weather starts to cool. Flowers are shaped like small shells and give variegated ginger one of its nicknames, "shell ginger." They are also fragrant and white with either a slight green tinge or with a pink tip. If your variegated ginger is exposed to frost, the flowers may not bloom.

Uses

Variegated ginger is not the edible ginger used in many culinary dishes, but the leaves and roots do contain a substance that is used in anti-hypertension and anti-stress medicines.

Propagation

Variegated ginger is easily propagated by cutting a section of the rhizome, or fleshy root, and planting it just under the surface of a loamy, well-drained soil. Water well and keep the soil moist. In a few weeks, you will have a new variegated ginger plant. The seeds of the variegated ginger can also be collected and sown twice as deep as the seed is wide, but this method takes longer than propagation by rhizome.

References

• Floridata: Variegated Shell Ginger

Resources

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map