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Photo by Peter Richardson

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Costus stenophyllus

Also Known As

Bamboo Ginger
Snake Ginger
Spiral Ginger

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 4'-6'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

10a-12

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Costus stenophyllus plant details

Costus stenophyllus is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In summer orange, red and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - dappled shade and even moisture 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 Costus stenophyllus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: costaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: orange, red and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, cutting garden, houseplant, interesting stems, tropical-looking, unique, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Costus stenophyllus

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: mostly sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Grown for its unique alternating brown and white banding on the stems, Bamboo Costus looks like real bamboo. It makes a great accent plant when grown in a large pot on the patio or sunroom. Also called spiral ginger, it has upright stems with a bit of a spiral near the tips. Unusual red and yellow flowers emerge from the base of mature plants. Grow in bright, indirect light in moist, rich soil.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

This is a spectacular Costus with banded stems alternating chocolate brown with light tan. It has very thin curly graceful leaves that are fairly long giving it a somewhat bamboo appearance, hence it's common name. The stems are used extensively in the tropical cut flower trade. The inflorescence is on separate stems from the base of the plant and are bright red with yellow contrasting flowers. They appear one at a time which looks like a snakes tongue, it's other common name. It does well in partial shade and can be over wintered inside, making a wonderful house plant. This Costus is endangered in it's native Costa Rica but we have plenty to share with you.

By: Tejas Tropicals

Garden photo gallery of Costus stenophyllus

Photo of Costus stenophyllus flower by Peter Richardson

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By: Peter Richardson

By: Peter Richardson

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

Gardening facts about Costus stenophyllus plant

How to Grow Costus stenophyllus

Sun Exposure
- mostly sun - dappled shade
Water Needs
- even moisture
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant