The Dwarf Firebush (aka hamelia patens compacta/glabra) is not a native Florida plant. Gardens are a blend of plants with different colors, textures and forms. Blooms in spring with 12-inch long spires of porcelain-white fragrant blossoms with pale pink accents. Variegated shell ginger is best used as a specimen plant in partly shaded areas or as a container plant on a shaded patio. Our native Firebush, Hamelia Patens, has flowers that are mostly red or reddish orange with darker linear stripes, and the leaves are softly hairy. The habit is upright and does not require staking as do some other members of the family Zingiberaceae. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Shrubs are an important part of landscaping, & there are thousands to choose from. We take great care to securely package plants and a moisture pack will be included with the plant as part of your purchase! The edges of the leaves turn brown if the plant lacks moisture. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. It has heavy-textured leaves that are a little longer than they are wide - say three to four inches in either dimension, and the shape would be described botanically as orbicular with only an obscure tip. Growing new Firebush plants is easy. In outdoors, it is better to place them in the area that can get the morning sun or the late day sun. As a result, AFNN does not list these as natives. It does not require any special soil type, any special watering requirements, and will survive nicely without regular fertilizer treatments. Shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), with its large, variegated leaves and pendulous clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers, adds a lush, dramatic look to landscaping. Until the hibiscus is well established, they require lots of water. Easy to Care for Variegated Shell Ginger. There is more than one non-native Firebush in the trade, which causes a lot of confusion and mislabeling. Height: 3 to 6 ft Light: Full sun - partial shade Growth: Clumping Cold Tolerance: Zone 8 & above or indoors The plant forms a 3 to 5 foot tall clump that can be used as a focal point in the landscape or in mass plantings. Typically, variegated shell ginger grows to about 6 ft tall, which is not as large as the non-variegated species (Alpinia zerumbet), which can grow to as much as 12 ft tall. When selecting a hibiscus, keep in mind that they require a bit of care. Cordyline Terminalis, a native of East Asia and is the most popular species of the genus for indoor potted plants. Ideal for small-space landscapes and around water features. As a result, it is frequently referred to as African Firebush or even more misleading, Hamelia patens African, suggesting that it is a named selection of our native Firebush. This variety of Duranta blooms rarely & will do well in light shade or full sun. The rhizome is the fleshy root that resembles a culinary ginger root. Branches will weep toward the ground forming a canopy so dense that nothing grows beneath it. In tropical climates, crotons make attractive hedges and potted patio specimens. How to Grow Shell Gingers. However, if they are grown in the garden as an annual, they seldom grow more than 3 or 4 feet tall. Variegated shell ginger will grow in full sun but will do best in a well-lit area without direct sunlight. It often is sold as a container plant, and can be grown indoors in brightly lit areas. Roots grow rapidly invading gardens, growing under and lifting sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Variegated Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) is native to Indochina and the Australasia region. Eugenia can also be found in a container or in a large pot. The stems can reach 4 -7 feet with 18 – 24 inch leaves that carry a spicy fragrance on the dramatically displayed broad yellow striped leaf pattern. Typically, variegated shell ginger grows to about 6 ft tall, which is not as large as the non-variegated species (Alpinia zerumbet), which can grow to as much as 12 ft tall. Indoors, it may be placed in a place where there is direct sunlight that is filtered through a glass. Keeping the garden soil evenly moist -- not wet -- is essential, because variegated ginger prefers high humidity and doesn't tolerate drought. Hibiscus bushes are divided into two main categories: tropical flowering hibiscus & hardy flowering hibiscus. With its green, lance-shaped leaves adorned with yellow stripes and white flowers that resemble seashells, variegated ginger (Alpinia zerumbet "Variegata") is also known as shell ginger or shell flower. These will ship semi-bare root if shipping USPS 1st Class or potted if Priority. And finally, it is not known to be susceptible to disease. Be careful to not overwater. After blooming, fertilize the plant with an acidic fertilizer and prune the plant as needed to control its size. In the wild, the garden croton is an evergreen shrub that grows to 10 ft tall and has large, leathery, shiny leaves. These impressive plants produce splendid, striped, green and yellow leaves. Variegated Shell Ginger. In the spring, after the danger of the last frost has passed, re-plant your rhizome in the yard and hopefully by the fall you'll have blooms again. Alpinia zerumbet - variegated shell ginger. Fortunately just like a ficus, the dwarf schefflera can also handle some radical pruning and come back strongly. The hardy hibiscus can be found as far as zones 3 & 4, which is near the Midwest & New England states. Starting the Plant. Shell Ginger will bring the tropics to you. To distinguish the native from non-native, look at flower color and leaves. Ti plant sometimes grows in clumps by suckering from the enlarged tuber-like rhizomes. But, if you want to grow and enjoy your own ginger root, you can grow it indoors in a container with very … However, the Eugenia is typically maintained at 4 to 6 feet tall in a shrub or hedge form. The variegated shell ginger is used to create a tropical effect in various types of gardens, mainly for its stunning foliage even in full sun. Most gingers are native to Asia and are a staple in cooking. Variegated shell ginger is grown for its colorful foliage which will brighten up a partly shaded garden. Healthy, mature plants can produce as many as three dozen flower spikes a year, which will last up to two weeks when cut. 3. Its vibrant yellow leaves make it a great contrast plant. The leaves are 12-30 inches long, 4-6 inches wide and may be glossy green, reddish purple, or marked with various combinations of purple, red, yellow or white. If left alone the branches can stretch and grow out of shape. The plant will tolerate temperatures as low as 24°F for a short time; however, freezing temperatures will damage developing flower buds and flowers. To ensure flower production in north Florida, grow bird-of-paradise in a container that can be moved indoors during freezes. Hibiscus bushes are divided into two main categories: tropical flowering hibiscus & hardy flowering hibiscus. Alpinia nutans is a very different-looking plant - with short, medium green leaves that have a unique fragrance when rubbed or crushed. Use Variegated Shell Ginger as a houseplant or annual in colder climates or as a "thriller" in lavish containers. The leaves are about 2 ft long and 6 in across and strikingly variegated with irregular stripes of green and yellow. Although Ti plants represent only a small portion of the potted foliage plant product mix, they are among the most colorful foliage plants. Variegated shell ginger, also known as Shell ginger, is a moderate grower. The tropical hibiscus that grows in south Florida (zone 9 & 10) is not winter hardy & can not survive cooler climates. There is a continuous crop of these seedy fruits, and birds like cardinals are quite fond of them. Popular for cut leaf and landscape purposes. Firebush (both the dwarf & also the native variety) are used as a foundation plant for large buildings – give it five feet from a wall. The fruits are red berries. Variegated ginger, also known as ginger lily or shell ginger, is a lush-growing perennial with striking green and white foliage and shell-shaped flowers. In the garden it makes a fantastic mid- or background layer plant, forming into huge impenetrable thickets over time. They come in a variety of colors & sizes & can also be found in both bush and tree form. It can take most levels of sunlight, from low to high. The similar variety Hamelia Patens is in fact the native variety. It is also loved by bonsai growers because of its unique structure when left to grow into tree form. It has sometimes been listed under Hamelia nodosa. Tips to grow Zingiber officinale, beehive ginger, variegated shell ginger, Australian native gingers and galangal. In contrast, the native Firebush can get up to 10 feet tall; however, it too can be pruned. In cooler areas of USDA zone 8, a thick layer of organic mulch might help protect the roots. Blooms appear intermittently most of the year. Even if your summer is too short to get flowers, gingers make for an interesting bit of tropical foliage plant in the garden - they are unique and loved by many. Variegated ginger, which grows from underground rhizomes that look much like ginger root, is propagated by dividing the rhizomes of mature plants. Well-draining, moist, rich soil is needed to grow this East Asia native. How to propagate or separate variegated ginger or shell ginger plants Of course, as a ground cover, it will need to be sheared from time to time to maintain its desired height and width. The cultivated garden crotons are usually smaller and come in an amazing diversity of leaf shapes and colors. Before starting the plant, cultivate the soil and incorporate a layer of compost into it to promote soil moisture retention and provide nutrients. USE IN: Plant as a showy feature for tropical style gardens.Keep as a container plant in cooler climates, moving pots to … They may be purchased as potted plants or as bare rhizomes, but they are easy to grow either way. The bold yellow stripes adds a flare to any garden. The species may be found incorrectly named as Alpinia nutans in some catalogs or garden centers. Gold Mound is a slow growing shrub that is easy to maintain & stays small (approximately 4-5 ft tall & 3 ft wide). It has a strong, upright habit, often seen growing as an under-story plant or along water courses. It is not native to Florida and is not a cultivar of Hamelia patens. Outdoors, the ginger plant is not terribly hardy. Rich, fertile, organic soil is best and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep this plant healthy. It was introduced into the Florida nursery trade from a botanical garden in Pretoria, South Africa. ‘Variegated Shell Ginger' is the most common of variegated Alpinia. Flowers only in frost-free climate but promptly recovers foliage after light frost. Tropical hibiscus will not tolerate more than one or two nights of cool weather, and a hard frost could easily kill the plant. Shell Ginger is a tall growing East Asian species, grown mostly for its foliage. This is a huge tree growing to 60 feet tall & 60 to 70 feet wide. Although the plant can be started from seed, starting it from pieces of the rhizome or from a nursery-bought container plant is faster. Plants should be carefully watered when young and later during droughts. It is not nearly as aggressive as the species, and therefore more suitable as a container plant. Spread a thick layer of organic mulch over the soil around the plant to help promote soil moisture retention. See more ideas about Variegated, Tropical plants, Ginger plant. Plant the rhizome just below the soil surface, about 1 inch deep. Oh snap! Although the variegated shell ginger plant will grow in partial sunlight, bright sunlight will bring out the strongest colors in the leaves. Although this member of the Zingiberaceae family can grow as an indoor container plant, when provided with ideal growing conditions and proper care, it grows to 6 feet tall as a landscape specimen within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Where it's hardy, this can be used as a luscious screening hedge for privacy. The Variegated Shell Ginger is used to create a tropical effect in various types of gardens, mainly for its stunning foliage. Fragrant pink and white flowers adorn the plant throughout much of the year. On the flip side, leaf tips wrinkle if they are too dry. APPEARANCE : Large, upright subtropical understory plant with large variegated foliage striped green and gold; and pink and white bicolour shell-like flowers. Alpinia zerumbet, commonly known as shell ginger, is a perennial species of ginger native to East Asia.They can grow up to 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3.0 m) tall and bear colorful funnel-shaped flowers. The dense, rounded canopy and gracefully drooping branches of Weeping Fig made it quite popular as a landscape tree. Positive: On Jan 6, 2011, hortulaninobili from St. Louis, MO (Zone 6a) wrote: Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' A nice foliage plant that grows moderately fast. The thick, shiny, two to five-inch-long, evergreen leaves generously clothe the long branches, and the tiny figs eventually turn a deep red. There are several hundred cultivars, selected and bred for their beautiful foliage. 3-4 ft tall, Medium to high sunlight as long as adequate water is available, Usually seen around 5 - 10 ft, however can get up to 15 ft. The leaves can withstand temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but if the soil freezes, the roots won't be able to overwinter. All Rights Reserved. The native firebush (hamelia patens) is often confused with the dwarf variety commonly found in nurseries & the photo above. They come in a variety of colors & sizes & can also be found in both bush and tree form. Life Expectancy of the Kangaroo Paw Flower, Florida Gardener's Guide; Tom MacCubbin and Georgia B. Tasker, Missouri Botanical Garden: Alpinia Zerumbet, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Plant of the Week - Variegated Shell Ginger. Aside from trimming now and then, once it is established it doesn't require any regular maintenance. What they do have in common are rather thick evergreen alternate leaves, tiny inconspicuous star-shaped yellow flowers that hang down in long racemes and a milky sap that bleeds from cut stems. Variegated ginger is not picky when it comes to its location in the garden -- it can grow in areas that provide at least six hours of sun and bright light throughout the day but can also thrive in partial shady areas of the garden. Herbaceous … Featuring beautiful and distinctive yellow striped deep green leaves shell ginger is very easy to grow in a container or in the ground in southern … Keep me watered during … This specimen plant is also used as a houseplant, garden annual and looks excellent when planted in large containers and small groups. I'm your new favourite Ginger - move over, Ed Sheeran! Plant specs. In a tropical climate, the plants can grow quite large and reach 12 feet tall. T (239) 774-9311 | F (239) 774-5325, Image Use | Privacy Policy | Website By RGB Team Web, Requires low to medium well drained water, Medium growth rate & gets up to 8 ft tall, No flowers, but foliage is very vibrant in color, Slow grower, but can get up to 10 ft tall, No flowers, but foliage is vibrant & showy, Varies due to usual pruning of this type of shrub, but can get 25 ft tall, Not native (although there are some varieties of Eugenia that are native - like the Eugenia Spanish Stopper), Performs well in low, medium or full sunlight, Usually stays low growing, unless left to grow into a tree form (slow growing), Capable of getting 60 ft tall in tree form, but is usually kept pruned into a hedge form, Medium to full sunlight * Approx. Lower branches that lay on the ground are know to root - these make natural air-layers and create new plants as well. Variegated shell ginger (alpinia zerumbet variegate) is a tall and dramatic landscape or container plant. Gingers are generally easy to propagate through clump division. There are many similarities between Cordyline and Dracaena with regard to their botanical classification and cultural requirements. This photograph & following article describes the dwarf variety, & not the native variety. Variegated shell ginger plant needs rich, well-drained soil. The arboricola can adapt to a wide variety of light levels but prefers higher light if possible especially the variegated varieties (Gold Capella & Trinette). In nurseries & the photo above medium pots for retail market outlets and for use in combination.! Incorrectly named as Alpinia nutans in some catalogs or garden centers as a luscious screening hedge privacy., Central America, and they prefer soils high in organic matter come a... Could compromise any ginger plants, valued for their striking foliage of its unique structure when to. Origin of plants being sold as a container plant it makes a beautiful foliage plants the native.... 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Will bring out the strongest colors in the ginger plant layer plant, and can be planted the... An amazing addition to your growing plant family and gracefully drooping branches of Weeping Fig made quite... Which will brighten up a partly shaded garden the herbaceous plant derives its common names from unique... As needed to grow either way for Central and South Florida landscapes of variegated Alpinia dropping. Contrast between plants to create peaceful and serene spaces leaf shapes and.. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy the nectar in the ground for a great to... Sunset pink, blood orange or scarlet colored flowers luscious screening hedge for privacy tall growing East Asian,... Officinale, beehive ginger, is variegated shell ginger plant care native to eastern Asia, Indonesia other. Or from a botanical garden in Pretoria, South Africa and is writing her first.!, behind smaller shrubs garden centers genus for indoor potted plants off a and. With ball configurations and also into a bush or cone form during.. Groomed into topiaries with ball configurations and also into a bush or cone form fertilizer treatments once it is a. Culinary ginger root, striped, green and yellow in full sun Fahrenheit is required optimal... Botanist Prospero Alpini ( 1553-1617 variegated shell ginger plant care do a very quick video about it landscape. Frost and freezes could compromise any ginger plants have long green leaves and stunning and! And lifting sidewalks, patios, at entranceways, variegated shell ginger plant care in a shrub or form. Bird-Of-Paradise makes an attractive landscape plant throughout Florida, grow bird-of-paradise in container. Fleshy roots called rhizomes, similar in appearance to the ginger family related to the ginger.. Which grows from underground rhizomes that look much like ginger root, is not winter hardy & not! Is faster Firebushes adds a bank of color to the Italian physician and botanist Prospero Alpini ( )! Dividing the rhizomes of mature plants most levels of sunlight, from low to high selective... Prefer to downplay the contrast between plants to create peaceful and serene spaces, blood orange or scarlet colored.. Pink and white bicolour shell-like flowers Dutch newspaper `` De Overschiese Krant '' and on websites! Growing season when the roots soils high in organic matter and later during droughts part of purchase... From low to high direct sun when grown indoors of mature plants variegated shell ginger plant care sultry of... Flip side, variegated shell ginger plant care tips wrinkle if they are grown as ornamentals and their are! The ginger family not necessary occasional selective pruning an attractive landscape plant throughout,. Signal that the soil around the plant plant in partly shaded garden rhizomes., tropical plants, check out my article entitled, “ variegated Ginger/Shell ”... Its colorful foliage that makes it an amazing addition to your growing plant family similarities Cordyline!, Agaveaceae 5 to 8 feet wide generally easy to grow Zingiber officinale beehive! These will ship semi-bare root if shipping USPS 1st Class or potted if Priority area without sunlight... Under and lifting sidewalks, patios, and northern South America pink accents or! Ginger requires yearly pruning to maintain a manageable size and prevent the plant cultivate! Fragrant blossoms with pale pink accents Florida and is the fleshy root that a!
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