Edible members of this family include ginger, cardamom, turmeric and galangal, but here we introduce the flowering ones, which offer so much more than a tropical splash of lush green foliage.
Moth Ginger
Hedychium coronarium ‘Luna Moth’
ID: The perfumed white flowers on this compact clumping plant look like moths and give it its common name. It’s shorter than most gingers,
at 1.5m.
Grow: It prefers moist shade. I like it under a frangipani with Eucharist lily as a companion. Feed freely and cut old leaves back to
the ground in late winter to freshen the clump
Moth ginger. Photo - Linda Ross
Beehive ginger
Zingiber spectabile
ID: Flowers are beehive-shaped cones that appear on a short spike that rises from the base of the plant.
Grow: This group is native to Thailand so likes tropical weather. Our Sydney trials show growth but so far no flowers. Grow in afternoon
shade as full midday sun will burn leaves. Give adequate moisture. Bud shoots will come away each spring.
Beehive ginger. Photo - Jacqui Martin/Shutterstock.com
Shell Ginger
Alpinia zerumbet
ID: Alpinia flowers resemble unfurling shells with gold and red centres. Arching sprays of foliage reach 1.5 -3m depending on type, and
look great bowing over a pathway or driveway.
Grow: Like most gingers they perfect rich moist soils but will tolerate drying out once established. Tidy up older stems to ground when
tatty.
Shell ginger. Photo - LeCajun/Shutterstock.com
Red Ginger
Alpinia purpurea
ID: Elegant flower spires come in shades of red to pink and make long-lasting cut flowers in vases.
Grow: Best in warm climates where they’ll get to 2m, depending on soil nutrient levels. There are many named varieties available.
Red ginger. Photo - Robin Powell
Spiral Ginger
Costus barbatus
ID: Showy slender stems corkscrew attractively and the leaves have furry undersides. Edible yellow flowers protrude from red pine cone-like
bracts.
Grow: Tough, hardy and easy to grow, this ginger is a good filler for full sun. Reproduce them from 20cm stem cuttings laid flat during warm weather. Each stem flowers only once; prune to the ground when flowers finish.
Spiral ginger. Photo - Moolkum/Shutterstock.com
Torch Ginger
Etlingera elatior
ID: Waratah-like flowers in white, pink or red are launched from the base on 50cm stems while strelitzia-like leaves shoot out above and
can reach 6m. Makes a good cut flower.
Grow: Tropics only. Needs a sheltered, part-sun position, rich soil and plenty of fertiliser. The flowers and flower buds are commonly
used in Malaysian dishes.
Torch ginger. Photo - aspen rock/Shutterstock.com
Dancing Ladies Ginger
Globba winitii
ID: Little golden flowers hang from purple bracts in summer and will last up to a month when cut for a vase.
Grow: This tender perennial to 1m high is for frost-free gardens only. Mark its spot in the garden or pot as it will die down to nothing
in winter. Provide full shade and regular moisture.
Dancing ladies ginger. Photo - Linda Ross
Text: Linda Ross
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