Alpinia vittata, commonly known as Variegated Ginger or Shell Ginger, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the understory of tropical rainforests in the Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-9 feet (0.9-2.7 meters), featuring bold, variegated foliage with stripes of green and yellow. The lance-shaped leaves add a tropical flair to any setting. During the summer, it produces drooping clusters of white flowers with pink and yellow markings, which are quite showy and resemble seashells, hence one of its common names.

Variegated Ginger is valued for its striking foliage and ornamental flowers, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a container plant in cooler climates where it must be brought indoors during the winter. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and prefers a location with full sun to part shade. While it requires high amounts of water, proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. It is relatively low maintenance but may need protection from strong winds which can damage the leaves.CC BY-SA 4.0