Photo of Alpinia luteocarpa foliage by Forest and Kim Starr

Photo by Forest and Kim Starr

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Alpinia luteocarpa

Also Known As

  • Bamboo Ginger

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 9a-12

More Options

Alpinia luteocarpa plant details

Called Bamboo Ginger because it's said to resemble a small clump of bamboo, but is not related. It's worth noting the beauty that is unique to this ginger, beyond the bamboo comparison. The fragrant arrow shaped leathery leaves are silvery-green on top, reddish-purple underneath, held on striking red stems. A compact ginger, maxing out at about 3 feet high, Alpinia luteocarpa is nice in containers, where the leaf color and fragrance can be appreciated up close. Growing outdoors is ideal, but it needs protection from prolonged freezing.

Alpinia luteocarpa is a broadleaf evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green and red foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Alpinia luteocarpa

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: zingiberaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cutting garden, fragrant, fragrant foliage, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Alpinia luteocarpa

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This variety of Ginger boasts dark green leaves with red undersides. Bamboo Ginger is also a fragrant ginger that looks like a dwarf bamboo bush with a great clumping habit! Perfect patio container plant. Prefers some shade. Mature height of 2-3'. Zones 7 and higher.

Gardening facts about Alpinia luteocarpa plant

How to Grow Alpinia luteocarpa

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • green
  • Texture

    • glossy
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
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