Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata': Variegated Shell Ginger, Variegated Shellflower

This document is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman.

Introduction

Variegated shell ginger is an herbaceous perennial that grows 4 to 7 feet tall in an upright growth habit. The large, 18- to 24-inch leaves of this plant have striking green and yellow variegated coloration (Figure 1). The white, fragrant flowers of the variegated ginger are borne in drooping clusters toward the stem ends (Figure 2). These fascinating flowers appear periodically throughout the year on heavily foliated stems. The fruits are long, red capsules but are inconspicuous (Figure 3). This plant’s ornamentally interesting foliage and shell-like flowers make it an excellent specimen or accent plant, as well as being suitable for mass planting, borders (Figure 4), or as a houseplant. The flowers may also be used as cut flowers in arrangements.

General Information

Scientific name: Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'

Pronunciation: al-PIN-ee-uh zair-um-BET ‘var-E-got-ah’

Common name(s): variegated shellflower, variegated shell ginger

Family: Zingiberaceae

Plant type: herbaceous

USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11B (Figure 5 and 6)

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: specimen; border; mass planting; accent; suitable for growing indoors; cut flowers

Availability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range

Description

Height: 4 to 7 feet

Spread: 5 to 8 feet

Plant habit: upright

Plant density: open

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: coarse

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: spiral

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: entire

Leaf shape: oblong

Leaf venation: pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: fragrant when crushed; evergreen

Leaf blade length: 18 to 36 inches

Leaf color: yellow; green; variegated

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: white; orange; yellow

Flower characteristic: pleasant fragrance; flowers periodically throughout the year; showy; flowers borne in clusters

Fruit

Fruit shape: round

Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches

Fruit cover: dry or hard

Fruit color: brown

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems

Current year stem/twig color: green

Current year stem/twig thickness: very thick

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in partial shade

Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay

Drought tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerance: poor

Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches

Other

Roots: sprouts from roots or lower trunk (rhizomes)

Winter interest: evergreen foliage adds winter interest

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant

Use and Management

Variegated shell ginger is an excellent specimen plant but may also be used in containers. It makes a nice accent plant in a shrub border or by a building entrance. This perennial stands out in any landscape due to its ornamentally interesting leaves and fragrant shell-like flowers.

Variegated shell ginger performs well when planted in locations with partial shade and moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Variegated shell ginger is moderately drought tolerant but may require additional irrigation during drought conditions. In the colder areas of northern Florida, the stems of this plant will be frozen to the ground, but new shoots will reemerge in the spring.

Propagation is via division of rhizomes during the active growing season.

Design Considerations

With its large, lush, and strikingly variegated green and yellow leaves, shell ginger lends a cool, tropical feel to the landscape. Its bold foliage and delicate, shell-like flowers make it an excellent choice as a specimen or accent, though it is also well-suited for mass plantings, borders, or as a houseplant.

To create visual interest, contrast its smooth, broad leaves with plants of a finer texture, such as soft, mounding shrubs with small leaves or the thin blades of ornamental grasses. Companion plants with dark green or burgundy leaves will accentuate the ginger's bright variegation. For flowering companions, pair it with tones of purple, burgundy, and blue. When shell ginger is used in a mass planting, place large groupings of companion plants at its base to create a full, layered effect.

Pests and Diseases

Minor pest issues include mites. No diseases of major concern.