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(Alpinia purpurata)
Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Alpinia purpurata, commonly known as Red Ginger, is an evergreen perennial herb originating from the understory of tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). Red Ginger is characterized by its striking inflorescences, which are composed of bright red bracts that house small, inconspicuous white flowers. The plant blooms primarily in the summer, and its showy bracts are often mistaken for the actual flowers. The foliage is also attractive, with large, glossy leaves that add to its ornamental value.
Red Ginger is valued for its vibrant floral displays and is commonly used in tropical-themed gardens, as a border plant, or in containers. It is also popular for its long-lasting cut flowers, which are a staple in floral arrangements. In cultivation, Red Ginger requires consistently moist soil and high humidity, making it well-suited to greenhouse or indoor environments. It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler, tropical climates. While it needs regular watering, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential invasiveness outside its native range, as it can spread aggressively in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Ginger is valued for its vibrant floral displays and is commonly used in tropical-themed gardens, as a border plant, or in containers. It is also popular for its long-lasting cut flowers, which are a staple in floral arrangements. In cultivation, Red Ginger requires consistently moist soil and high humidity, making it well-suited to greenhouse or indoor environments. It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler, tropical climates. While it needs regular watering, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential invasiveness outside its native range, as it can spread aggressively in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Understory of tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Red-Ginger, Röd Galangarot, 紅花月桃
Scientific Names: , Alpinia purpurata, Guillainia purpurata, Languas purpurata, Alpinia purpurata var. albobracteata, Alpinia grandis, Alpinia purpurata subsp. albobracteata, Alpinia purpurata subsp. anomala, Alpinia purpurata subsp. grandis, Alpinia purpurata var. anomala
GBIF Accepted Name: Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum.