Shell Ginger
Alpinia zerumbet
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Shell Ginger
Shell Ginger is a large tropical rhizomatous perennial in the ginger family native to East Asia, widely grown in Florida for its bold arching foliage and ornamental flower clusters. Drooping racemes of waxy shell-shaped buds open to fragrant white and pink flowers with yellow lips marked in red, appearing in summer on mature canes. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White and pink with yellow and red markings
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Herbaceous perennial (dies back to rhizome in hard freezes; regrows in spring)
- Soil
- Loam, Moist, Well-drained
Care essentials
Shell ginger thrives in full sun to part shade; in Northeast Florida it performs well in both exposures, though partial shade protects the large leaves from scorching and keeps foliage looking its best through summer.
Keep soil consistently moist and mulch heavily to retain moisture; shell ginger benefits from regular watering throughout the growing season. It is tolerant of Florida's summer rainfall but needs supplemental irrigation during dry periods.
Prefers rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer to support vigorous growth and flowering on mature canes. New rhizome divisions can be planted in spring.
Similar needs
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Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, and loam.
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Common questions
Is Shell Ginger a good plant for St. Augustine?
Shell Ginger is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 8-10 feet × 5-8 feet.