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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Spiral Ginger is consistently moist soil. 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 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Spiral Ginger with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil 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 Spiral Ginger
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