Alpinia sericea – Native ginger

Alpinia sericea - native ginger
Alpinia sericea - native ginger

Native ginger is a rainforest clumping perennial, with large, shiny leaves, long spikes of fragrant white flowers and round blue fruit. Flowering can occur most of the year in warm areas. The fruit, roots and leaves are edible, and have a tangy ginger taste. An easy care, low maintenance plant which performs best in part shade and with adequate water. It grows from underground rhizomes, and if the foliage becomes untidy or burnt by frost, they can be cut back hard to reshoot. The flowers and foliage can be used for flower arrangements.

Family : Zingiberaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Bulb or bulb-like

Width : 3

Flowering Time : All year

Soil Type : Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Spreading

Soil Moisture : Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Edible, Decorative fruit, Fast growing, Playground friendly

Scientific Name: Alpinia sericea

Common Name : Native Ginger

Height : 3

Flower Color : Cream

pH Level : Neutral

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Container growing, Flower garden

Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade, Heavy shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost, Not frost tolerant

Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Nectar eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects