A robust clumping ginger with arching leafy canes and drooping sprays of waxy shell-pink buds opening to yellow-and-red flowers. A lush, fragrant screening and feature plant for warm, sheltered gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Shell Ginger
Botanically, Alpinia zerumbet is a fast-growing perennial in the Zingiberaceae family. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink and white flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Shell Ginger
Shell Ginger suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Shell Ginger does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Shell Ginger is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Shell Ginger after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Shell Ginger in the garden
Shell Ginger earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, its fragrance and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Shell Ginger with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Shell Ginger
Plant Sale lists Shell Ginger as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.