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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Shell Ginger does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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
Combine Shell Ginger with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Shell Ginger
Plant Sale lists Shell Ginger as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
