Description

Blue Ginger is not a true ginger but is commonly as such due to its ginger like stems. The perennial can grow to a height of 2.4 metres tall by 1metre wide in an erect, bushy form with branched cane-like stems and short, rhizomatous roots. The leaves are glossy, dark green and arranged spirally around the stem and purplish on their undersides. The deep blue-violet flowers are borne in compact, terminal, conical shaped panicles in autumn. In ideal growing conditions they will continue to expand upward adding flower buds at the top.

Cultivation

In warm-temperate climates they can be grown outside in well drained, organic rich soil in a well lit position in light shade. They can tolerate short periods of cold, but must be protected from frost and bright sunlight in hot locations. Provide adequate moisture at all times and high humidity in summer for best flowering results. Apply a general complete fertilizer to the garden bed once or twice a year. Can be pruned to remove unsightly stalks and kept to shape. Occasionally spray for Thrips control.