Description

Clump forming evergreen perennial with large flowerheads of overlapping green bracts tinged red and white with yellow centres and silky crepe petals. Edible yellow tubular flowers emerge daily from between these inflorescence bracts which can stay coloured for months. It has ginger like elliptic leaves which spiral up the slender cane-like stems to a height of 2.4metres. Although most Costus are only suitable for planting outdoors in tropical or sub-tropical regions, barbatus is a cold tolerant, tough as nails variety and will perform well even in cooler climates. In cold climates they can be raised indoors where they can be given high heat and humidity.

Cultivation

Grow in organic rich soil in a well lit position but out of direct sunlight in hot locations. Can be grown outdoors in temperatures above 20 degrees C and high humidity. Short periods of cold can be tolerated, but provide protection from frost.