Red Ginger
Alpinia purpurata
Also listed as Alpinia grandis, Guillainia novoebudica
Climate Match for your location
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Red Ginger is a tropical perennial with striking red, torch-like flower bracts and lush green foliage. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and makes an excellent specimen plant or accent in tropical and subtropical gardens.
Why grow it
Red Ginger produces distinctive red inflorescences that persist longer than many tropical ornamentals, making it valuable for gardens seeking sustained color in warm climates. It tolerates partial shade better than some Alpinia species, offering flexibility in planting placement within tropical and subtropical landscapes. The dense foliage also provides screening or backdrop potential beyond its flowering interest.
Watch out for
Plants may require several seasons to establish robust flowering, particularly in marginal growing zones. Consistent moisture supports vigor, but overly wet conditions can stress the rhizomes, especially in cooler months when evapotranspiration slows. Spider mites and scale insects occasionally affect foliage in indoor or very sheltered conditions, warranting periodic inspection.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
Native Range
Malaysia and South Pacific
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Red Ginger is a tropical perennial with striking red, torch-like flower bracts and lush green foliage. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and makes an excellent specimen plant or accent in tropical and subtropical gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Ginger grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red Ginger produces distinctive red inflorescences that persist longer than many tropical ornamentals, making it valuable for gardens seeking sustained color in warm climates. It tolerates partial shade better than some Alpinia species, offering flexibility in planting placement within tropical and subtropical landscapes. The dense foliage also provides screening or backdrop potential beyond its flowering interest.
Watch out for
Plants may require several seasons to establish robust flowering, particularly in marginal growing zones. Consistent moisture supports vigor, but overly wet conditions can stress the rhizomes, especially in cooler months when evapotranspiration slows. Spider mites and scale insects occasionally affect foliage in indoor or very sheltered conditions, warranting periodic inspection.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
Native Range
Malaysia and South Pacific
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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