Variegated Shell Ginger | 'Alpinia Zerumbet' Variegata Shell Ginger
Variegated shell ginger is an ornamental plant with long, dark green leaves variegated from the center vein in bars of bright yellow and gold. The variegation on each leaf is unique, adding an array of showy highlights across the lush leaves. It grows up in clumps from center rhizomes that carry a spicy ginger fragrance. It is related to culinary ginger, but this variety is not edible.
Variegated shell ginger is a great filler plant, growing 4 – 7 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide. It is an evergreen plant in warmer climates, only needing trimming to cut spent leaves and control growth. This plant adds a tropical feel in the garden, especially when mixed with elephant ears, banana plants or other tropical plants. It is also a stunning centerpiece in containers or gorgeous tucked around trees.
In the summer in warmer climates, variegated shell ginger grows long, cascading racemes from the main plant covered in beautiful, seashell-shaped blooms that are white with pink tips. As the flowers open, they give a light fragrance, and they are bursting with vibrant color. They are a blend of rich gold and burgundy throughout the inside pedals, and the flowers attract bees and hummingbirds.
Variegated shell ginger is easy to grow and grows quickly once established. It does best in partial shade with loamy, clay, or sandy soils and, like most tropical plants, prefers moist soil. If the leaves start to brown during summer months, the plant needs more water; browning leaf edges in the winter mean the plant is getting too cold.
It grows as a perennial in zones 8-11 and an annual in cooler climates. It can be kept indoors over winter in cooler climates to enjoy year after year, and it does well in containers. It resists pests and diseases and is resilient against heat and salt. It is a stunning addition to give an exotic, tropical feel to any garden.
Care
Fertilize in early spring with our SR-18-5-10 slow release fertilizer for maximum growth and plant health.
Purchase our Slow Release fertilizer here SR-18-5-10.
Ordering
Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.
Shipping
The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest-viable product ordered.
Summer - Above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees
Plant Highlight
- Growing Zone: 8-10
- Plant Brand: The Plant Factory Choice
- Botanical Name: Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'
- Foliage Color: Green leaves with yellow variegation throughout each leaf
- Flower Color: White blooms with pink tips; vibrant yellow and red inside the flowers
- Flower Fragrance: Lightly fragrant flowers; spicy ginger fragrance in the leaves
- Fall Color: Green leaves with yellow variegation throughout each leaf
- Type: Perennial in Zones 8-10; Annual in cooler climates
- Mature Height: 4 -7 feet
- Mature Width: 4 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Exposure: Partial Sun
- Soil Needs: Prefers clay, loamy, or sandy soil that is slightly acidic
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Pruning Needs:
- Zones 8-10: Trim as needed to control plant size
- Cooler climates: Overwinter indoors
- Awards:
- Grown by: The Plant Factory
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Reblooming: No
- Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes
Note: We put pictures and videos on our site to best represent our products as an example of our quality as a grower. You may, however, receive a smaller or larger plant than pictured depending on the season you buy. You may or may not get a plant blooming as shown on our site. We usually trim off blooms because they do not ship well. Your purchase of our plants should be considered an investment in your future garden to enjoy the process of growing it to its full potential.
Why The Plant Factory, Inc is a good choice?
Our plants are grown at our nursery, not staged in a holding yard unattended. Our experienced staff use the best horticultural practices to ensure our plants are of the utmost health and quality. We select your plants as if we were buying them ourselves. Our standard goals are to exceed our customers’ expectations. We pride ourselves for great “out of the box” experiences with hassle-free customer service and quick resolutions.
