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Plant of the Month |
Zingiber or Ginger is a wonderful tropical plant of which there are 200 species. These plants come in an astounding number of varieties and hybrids only three of which are illustrated here. The plant is native to the tropical areas of India, China, Southeast Asia and Australia. Of the family Zingiberaceae the edible plant which produces the Ginger spice is Zingiber officinale.
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Plant Facts:
Common Name: Ginger (genera Alpinia, Zingiber and Hedychium)
Botanical Name: Zingiber
Family: Zingiberaceae
Plant Type: Clump-forming, rhizomatous, soft-stemmed, evergreen perennial
Origin: Tropical India, China, Southeast Asia and Australia
Zones: 9-11
Height: to 10'
Rate of Growth: Fast
Salt Tolerance: Low
Soil Requirements: Humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil with added compost or leaf mold
Water Requirements: Freely water when growing, just moist in winter
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Bright, filtered light, partial shade
Form: Erect, clumping plant
Leaves: 2-ranked, lance-shaped in a variety of sizes and colors
Flowers: Panicle or raceme, showy, bell-shaped -- colors vary
Fruits: Ovoid or sphereical capsules
Pests or diseases: Fungal Leaf Spot, Root Rot, Spider Mites
Uses: Specimen for shade garden, accent or filler
Bad Habits: None
Cost: $ - $$$-- very reasonable to expensive
Propagation: Seed sown at 68°F or divisions of rhizome
Sources: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants,
The Subtropical Garden
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Last updated 06/03/08
