Shell Ginger 'Variegata' (Alpinia zerumbet)

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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 03, 2003

Common name: Shell Ginger 'Variegata'
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Alpinia
Species zerumbet

Plant Link: http://plantsdatabase.com/go/55244/

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Post #668717
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darlenecom Lake Charles, LA(Zone 9a) Oct 03, 2003

I have this in my garden. Got my start from a friend in New Orleans. Hers grew to about eight feet and bloomed with white flowers. Mine only grows to about three and never has bloomed. Maybe because it freezes down.

Post #668817
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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 03, 2003

Hi, I have only had this plant in the ground for a month and I hope that the roots become established before the hard freezes occur which will not happen for awhile. It sure brightens up a shady area doesn't it! The guys at the nursery said that it would grow to 4 or 5 feet here and it will freeze to the ground. I hope it blooms, but if it doesn't, its a great plant anyway. Thanks for your comment. :o)

Post #668917
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CDauphinet New Iberia, LA(Zone 8b) Oct 04, 2003

Have had this plant for several years. Taken clippings from this plant and shared it with lots of people!!!! Mine blooms here BUT also freezes if NOT taken care of in the freezing weather. She's a plus in my book!!!! Comes back year after year!!! Can't beat the beautiful background show it gives when planted with other colorful plants!

Post #670018
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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 04, 2003

Hi, CDauphinet.
Has yours ever bloomed? Thanks for your comments. :o)

Post #670153
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suncatcheracres Old Town, FL Oct 06, 2003

All Alpinias need at least a year and a half to bloom--some books say two years--so if you get any frost during the Winter they will not bloom for you in the ground. Their roots are hardy down to about 15F degrees.

This one is grown for its foliage more than its flowers, but if you have a greenhouse you can grow Alpinias for their wonderful flowers. I think the Shell Gingers are the most beautiful of all the gingers, and once my permanent greenhouse is completed I plan to grow them in large pots here in Northcentral Florida, zone 8b--I'll put the pots outside in the Summer.

This message was edited Monday, Oct 6th 2:07 PM

Post #672321
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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 06, 2003

Hi, suncatcheracres.
Thanks for the information. This is the first (of probably many more) gingers that I have planted. It does freeze here and heavy freezes do not last but a few hours usually. It probably will die back to the ground and the come back up from the roots. I enrichened the soil where it is planted. Do I need to fertilize it next year and, if so, what kind of fertilizer do I use? :o)

Post #672328
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