There's no blue quite like it. Photo - Linda Ross
Blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora)
Description: this exotic Brazilian native is not a true ginger but has striped ginger-like stems and lapis lazuli blue flower
spires. The glossy, dark-green leaves have purplish undersides. The flowers are borne in compact spires from February through autumn.
Size: this perennial can grow to 2.4 metres tall by 1 metre wide in a clumping form with branched cane-like stems and short, rhizomatous
roots.
Cultivation: blue ginger will withstand light frost, and does well in Sydney and areas north. It likes rich soil in semi-shade, but will
tolerate full sun and dry weather.
Special comments: blue ginger looks best when accompanied by other subtropical plants such as bamboo, hibiscus, stephanotis and frangipani,
though it also does a fine job of bordering a narrow ‘driveway garden’.
Blue ginger really works under trees, shrubs and palms. Photo - Linda Ross
Text: Linda Ross
We hope you have enjoyed this article so far.
One of the many benefits of Garden Clinic membership is full access to our website. Members please log in to view the complete articles.
If you are not a Garden Clinic member and wish to access our website as well as enjoy the many benefits of membership, including access to our Helpline 7 days a week, please visit the link below to join us.