Photo of Costus arabicus 'Variegatus' foliage by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Costus arabicus 'Variegatus'

Also Known As

  • Variegated Costus
  • Variegated Spiral Ginger

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6'-8'
  • W: 6'-8'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

More Options

Costus arabicus 'Variegatus' plant details

Costus arabicus 'Variegatus' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green, variegated and white foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Costus arabicus 'Variegatus'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: costaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, cut leaves, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Costus arabicus 'Variegatus'

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Broad white margins surround the rich bluish-green heart of each leaf as they gracefully spiral down and around each of the sturdy upright to arching stems of this beautifully variegated ginger. Narrower white streaks often randomly dive into the green center of the leaves. The bright foliage is a standout in shaded gardens or patios. The brightly contrasting foliage is excellent for mixed containers and can be used as cut foliage in flower arrangements. This ginger rarely flowers for us but it is known to produces 1-1/2" white flowers that emerge from cone-like clusters at the ends of mature stems in summer.

Gardening facts about Costus arabicus 'Variegatus' plant

How to Grow Costus arabicus 'Variegatus'

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

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
Photo of Cheilocostus speciosus flower by Tau'olunga
View Plant

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
Photo of Costus stenophyllus flower by Peter Richardson
View Plant

More Options

aka Spiral Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 2'-6'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Costus barbatus flower by Tejas Tropicals
View Plant

More Options

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
Photo of Costus 'Green Mountain' flower by Tejas Tropicals
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

More Options

+14 more Costus
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