The Shell Ginger
Alpinia zerumbet or ‘Shell Ginger’ also known as the Pink porcelain Lily is a wonderful tropical to sub tropical plant and the variegated variety has colourful foliage as well.
And if you live down south then you are in luck as some ‘Shell Ginger’ species are fairly cold tolerant and could be grown in a frost free position as far south as Melbourne.
It will not flower as prolifically in the colder months as it does in warmer climates but it will be star in the garden in spring and summer.
Grown for the colorful flowers Alpinia are a diverse group of plants with only selected varieties being available from wholesalers in Australia. Some species are also grown as foliage plants and work well in tropical to subtropical landscaping schemes as understory plants.
Alpinia zerumbet cv. Variegata (foliage pictured right) is the popular one at the moment, green foliage with cream and yellow variegation and creamy white and pink fragrant flowers that hang in clusters.
Reaching a height of around 90cm in most gardens Alpinia zerumbet can get to twice this in good conditions.
Shell Ginger Care
Usually sold online as rhizomes in winter Shell Gingers are best given a little tender loving care until established.
Growing well in full sun to part shade they are a plant that can bring a tropical look to many landscaping designs.
Some species are more cold tolerant than others with A. zerumbet growing well as far south as Sydney and Melbourne in a warm sheltered position. Flowering period is from spring through to autumn depending on conditions.
Growing Conditions
Plant is a container to start with, usually the first year is adequate, this gives the rhizome a chance to grow a good root system in a confined space, which it seems to like. Make sure that the new shoots are just showing through the soil.
Depending on your location full sun to part shade, the warmer the climate the more shade. However in southern states remember that very hot afternoon sun in summer needs to be avoided.
A humus rich moist deep soil is best and when you are replanting those new shoots should be at ground level.
Once acclimatised and established fertilise you shell ginger with a diluted liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Keep moist so some humidity is available, especially in southern Australian summers.
Problems
- Lack of humidity can cause foliage to brown
- Can you grow them indoors ? Probably not the best house plant, however with the right humidity and a well drained but moist potting mix you can. Avoid hot sun through glass as this can burn foliage.
Other Alpinia Species and varieties
Alpina are members of the ginger family, (zingiberaceae) A. purpurata is known as the Red Ginger. A. zerumbet, A. formosana and A. malaccanse are all worth seeking.
- A. galanga is different to the others and is used in Indonesian and Thai cooking
- A.henry – Shell pink flowers in spring, grows well in full sun to part shade.
- A. caerulea is a native ginger growing to 3m in rainforest areas from Queensland to NSW, the other native species is Alpinia arundelliana
- A. japonica – Evergreen to semi evergreen depending on climate.
- A. luteocarpa – Also known as the ‘Bamboo Ginger’, small flower, grows well in shade.
- A. malaccensis – The Giant Pink shell Ginger, reaches 2m, white flowers with orange inside.
- A. mutica – A small growing species known as ‘Dwarf Cardomon’, will reach 1 – 1.5m.
- A. Large pink to red cone shaped flower bract. Green foliage, best is a sub tropical climate.
- A. nutans – Also known as the ‘Dwarf Cardomom’, part shade warm climate.
Alpinia or Shell Ginger are available for sale from the following nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au