Photo of Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death' flower by Tejas Tropicals

Photo by Tejas Tropicals

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death'

Also Known As

  • Costus longibracteatus 'Kiss of Death'
  • Kiss of Death Spiral Ginger

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 7'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death' plant details

Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death'

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: costaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 7 FT tall
Uses: tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death'

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The basal bracts are very large and a spectacular crimson color. The stems have dense, stiff hairs and very long bracteoles creating a very distinctive ornamental. It requires 50% shade and looks wonderful in large decorative containers. It can be kept indoors for the winter with ease.

By: Tejas Tropicals

Gardening facts about Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death' plant

How to Grow Costus longibracteolatus 'Kiss of Death'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Costus for your garden

aka Costus speciosus, Aftican Costus, Spiral Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'-10'

Width: 3'-8'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
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aka Bamboo Ginger, Snake Ginger, Spiral Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture
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aka Spiral Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 2'-6'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
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aka Costus curvibracteatus 'Green Mountain', Green Mountain Spiral Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 2'-4'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
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aka Costus albus, Zingiber dibius, Spiral Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 6'-8'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Costus dubius flower by Tejas Tropicals
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