Description
Variegated Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’), also known as Shell Ginger, is a tropical perennial prized for its striking, variegated foliage and lush, bold presence. Native to East Asia, this ginger species features large, lance-shaped leaves with dramatic green and yellow striping that brightens up garden spaces year-round. In optimal conditions, it produces drooping clusters of shell-like, fragrant white and pink flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. The flowers’ unique shape gives this plant its common name, resembling small seashells with hints of pink and yellow inside.
Variegated Ginger typically grows to about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for filling large spaces or creating a tropical privacy screen. This plant thrives in partial shade to full shade and performs best in USDA zones 8-11. It prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, though it can tolerate brief dry periods once established. While Variegated Ginger is frost-sensitive, it often bounces back in spring after winter dieback in cooler climates.
Low-maintenance and relatively pest-resistant, Variegated Ginger benefits from occasional pruning to remove spent blooms or damaged foliage, which encourages fresh growth and keeps it looking vibrant. Its lush, tropical appeal and bold variegation make it a stunning addition to shaded garden beds, borders, or as a container plant on patios. Variegated Ginger adds warmth, texture, and an exotic touch to landscapes, thriving in both tropical and subtropical garden designs.
