A tropical spiral ginger with leafy stems that twist as they grow, topped by a red cone-shaped bract emitting yellow tubular flowers. A lush, exotic feature for warm, moist, sheltered positions.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 2 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Spiral Ginger
Botanically, Costus barbatus is a fast-growing perennial in the Costaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Spiral Ginger
Spiral 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
Spiral 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
Spiral Ginger prefers consistently moist soil. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Spiral Ginger after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Spiral Ginger in the garden
Spiral Ginger earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Spiral Ginger with plants that share its preference for consistently moist soil 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 Spiral Ginger
Plant Sale lists Spiral Ginger as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
