Scarlet Ginger, known botanically as Alpinia purpurata, offers a striking addition to any garden with its vibrant, torch-like inflorescences. This tropical perennial, also commonly called Red Ginger, Ostrich Plume, or Tahitian Ginger, is celebrated for its ornamental appeal. Its dramatic appearance makes it a favored choice for introducing tropical flair. Originating from the South Pacific, including islands like New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, Scarlet Ginger thrives in warm, humid environments.
Understanding Scarlet Ginger
Scarlet Ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is a rhizomatous plant, spreading underground through horizontal stems. This forms clumping stands with tall, leafy stems. Its most distinctive features are its vibrant red or pink bracts, often mistaken for the flowers. These showy bracts are actually modified leaves that enclose the plant’s true flowers, which are small, typically white, and emerge briefly from the bract tips.
The foliage consists of large, glossy green, lance-shaped leaves up to 32 inches (80 cm) long. These leaves form a dense, upright structure, contributing to the plant’s bold vertical interest. The plant typically grows between 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters) tall, but it can occasionally reach heights of 15 feet (4.5 meters). In tropical climates, Scarlet Ginger can bloom year-round, with peak flowering in summer.
Growing Scarlet Ginger
Site Selection and Soil
Scarlet Ginger prefers sheltered locations protected from strong winds. For optimal growth, it requires rich, loamy, and well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A slightly acidic to neutral pH supports healthy development. Incorporating organic matter improves soil structure and fertility.
Light Requirements
Scarlet Ginger performs best in bright, indirect light to partial shade. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, protection from intense afternoon sun is necessary in hot environments to prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light can hinder blooming, while excessive direct light may cause leaf rolling or curling.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Scarlet Ginger. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but never soggy, to prevent root rot. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings helps prevent overwatering. During hot periods, the plant may require more frequent watering. For container-grown plants, excellent drainage and emptying saucers after watering are crucial.
Temperature and Humidity
Scarlet Ginger thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 65 to 90°F (18 to 32°C). As a tropical plant, it is sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate frost. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), the plant should be moved indoors or protected. High humidity levels, around 60-70% or higher, are also beneficial. Misting the foliage, using a humidifier, or placing pebble trays nearby can help increase humidity.
Fertilizing
To support vigorous growth and vibrant blooms, Scarlet Ginger benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season. A balanced fertilizer is generally recommended. Fertilization can be applied monthly during this period. Reduce or cease fertilizing during cooler months when growth slows. Organic amendments can also enhance soil fertility and structure.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Routine care is important for maintaining the health and appearance of established Scarlet Ginger plants. Pruning involves regularly removing yellowing or damaged leaves and trimming spent flower stalks down to the base. This practice encourages fresh growth and helps the plant maintain a clean, vigorous form. Removing spent inflorescences can also direct the plant’s energy towards overall plant health rather than seed production.
Scarlet Ginger is generally resilient, but it can occasionally encounter pests like aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and scale insects. Red spider mites might also become an issue, particularly in dry conditions. Increasing humidity through misting can help deter these pests.
Common diseases include soft rot, rhizome rot, and bacterial wilt, which are often associated with overly wet soil conditions or poor drainage. Ensuring proper soil drainage and using healthy rhizomes for planting are preventative measures. If issues arise, removing affected plant material and improving air circulation can help manage the problem.
Propagating Scarlet Ginger
The primary method for propagating Scarlet Ginger is through rhizome division. This is best undertaken in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To divide, carefully dig around the base of the plant to expose the rhizomes without causing damage. Using a clean, sharp knife or pruners, separate sections of the rhizome, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy growth bud and a portion of roots.
Immediately replant these divisions in well-draining, organically rich soil at the same depth as the original plant. After planting, water the divisions thoroughly and maintain consistent soil moisture to support the establishment of new roots. While less common, Scarlet Ginger can also produce small plantlets or “aerial offshoots” from the sides of its flower bracts, which can be rooted to create new plants. These plantlets can be removed and planted in a suitable medium, or the entire flower head can be bent into a pot and covered with soil until roots form.
Uses and Important Considerations
Scarlet Ginger is primarily cultivated for its striking aesthetic appeal, making it a popular ornamental plant. It is widely used in tropical landscaping, providing bold color and vertical structure to garden beds. Its long-lasting, vibrant bracts are also highly valued in the cut flower industry, frequently appearing in floral arrangements due to their durability. The plant can also be grown successfully in large containers, allowing it to be enjoyed on patios or as an indoor plant in regions with cooler climates.
It is important to clarify that Alpinia purpurata, despite its common name, is not the same as culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale). The rhizomes of Scarlet Ginger are not used for food or traditional medicine in the same way that true ginger is. While generally considered not toxic to humans or pets, ingestion is not recommended as it may cause mild digestive discomfort. The sap from the plant may also cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.