Ornamental ginger plants, belonging to various genera within the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), offer significant beauty in gardens and landscapes. While they share a common name with the spice, their purpose is purely aesthetic, providing vibrant flowers and striking foliage.
Distinguishing Non-Edible from Culinary Ginger
Distinguishing non-edible ornamental gingers from common culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale) involves observing key characteristics. Culinary ginger typically features a pale, knobby rhizome, and its flowers are generally inconspicuous, small, and yellowish-green. Its leaves are long, narrow, and grass-like, and its growth habit is compact, usually reaching two to four feet.
In contrast, ornamental ginger plants exhibit a wide range of visual attributes, particularly their prominent, showy flowers. Their blooms are strikingly colorful, ranging from vibrant reds, pinks, and yellows to pristine whites. While some ornamental varieties possess rhizomes, these are typically fibrous and not cultivated for consumption. The foliage of non-edible gingers varies greatly, often being broader, more decorative, or variegated. Their growth habits also span a broader spectrum, from compact forms to towering specimens over ten feet tall.
Popular Varieties of Non-Edible Ginger
Many non-edible ginger varieties provide stunning visual interest. Alpinia, a popular genus, includes Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata), known for its brilliant red or pink bracts emerging on tall stems. Pink Porcelain Lily (Alpinia zerumbet) features arching stems with variegated green and yellow leaves and pendulous clusters of shell-pink and yellow flowers. These plants often grow as large clumps.
The Costus genus offers intriguing spiral gingers, such as Costus speciosus, or Indian Head Ginger. This plant is recognized by its spiraling stems and large, paddle-shaped leaves, topped with cone-like red bracts from which white flowers emerge. Another striking Costus is Costus igneus, or Insulin Plant, which has vibrant orange-red flowers appearing directly from the stem.
Hedychium, commonly known as Ginger Lilies or Butterfly Gingers, are celebrated for their fragrant, orchid-like flowers. Hedychium coronarium, the White Butterfly Ginger, produces highly aromatic, pure white blooms that resemble butterflies, often blooming in late summer and fall. Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) displays dense spikes of bright yellow or orange flowers with prominent red stamens, also releasing a sweet fragrance.
Ornamental Zingiber species also offer unique aesthetic qualities. Zingiber zerumbet, known as Pinecone Ginger or Shampoo Ginger, forms distinctive green, pinecone-shaped inflorescences that gradually turn red and exude a fragrant, sudsy liquid. Its small, yellow flowers emerge from the bracts.
Cultivating Ornamental Ginger Plants
Successful cultivation of ornamental ginger plants generally requires conditions mimicking their native tropical or subtropical environments. Most varieties thrive in partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch their leaves. Dappled light or morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for robust growth and vibrant blooms.
These plants prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amending the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure and drainage. While they appreciate moisture, waterlogged conditions can lead to rhizome rot. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry spells and the active growing season, ensuring the soil remains evenly damp but not saturated.
Ornamental gingers are sensitive to cold temperatures and are typically hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. They flourish in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C), and high humidity. In cooler climates, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors before the first frost or treated as annuals. During their active growth phase, from spring through summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks promotes healthy foliage and prolific flowering.
Propagation is commonly achieved through division of the rhizomes in spring. Carefully lift the plant and separate sections, ensuring each piece has at least one eye or growing point. Replant these divisions at the same depth as the original plant. This method allows for easy expansion of a ginger collection and revitalizes older, crowded clumps.
Safety and Uses of Non-Edible Ginger
Non-edible ginger plants are cultivated purely for aesthetic appeal and are not suitable for human consumption. While many varieties are generally considered non-toxic, some may cause mild irritation if ingested or if sap contacts sensitive skin. For instance, sap from certain Alpinia species might cause minor skin irritation. Handle these plants with care, especially if you have known skin sensitivities.
The primary role of these plants is ornamental, enhancing landscapes with their tropical allure. They are widely used in gardens to create lush borders, as striking specimen plants, or to provide a vibrant backdrop in mixed beds. Many varieties, particularly Alpinia and Hedychium species, are also valued as long-lasting cut flowers. Their bold forms and vibrant colors make them excellent choices for container gardening, allowing them to be moved to protected locations in colder climates.