Variegated Ginger

‘Zerumbet’ variegated ginger shows its bright leaves

We’ve added a new variety to our line of tropical plants for 2016: ‘Zerumbet’, a variegated ginger. Now, this is not the culinary ginger we use in stir-fries and salad dressings—it’s an ornamental type and boy, is it showy. Take a look at these giant green and yellow striped leaves; they can grow 18–24 inches long.

Fragrant flower clusters

Shell ginger is another common name for this plant, referring to the fragrant little white flowers that bloom from time to time throughout the year. They’re edged in pink and resemble tiny clusters of seashells dangling from the stems. Pretty flowers are always a bonus but the foliage is what steals the show here—and by the way, the leaves emit a spicy, fresh scent, too.

Variegated ginger loves partial shade

‘Zerumbet’ is a native of the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It can grow in full sun but for the best foliage color set this ginger in partial shade. Imagine its natural rainforest environment and place the plant under a tree so the sunlight hits it indirectly through the branches overhead. 

Notice the spread

Shell ginger fills in nicely under a tree as well. Notice the impressive spread; you can expect about 3 feet, but some plants have reached 5, and even up to 8 feet. It grows around 3–4 feet tall but again, some plants have been known to reach 6 feet. Remember to allow enough space for its ultimate size; a good rule of thumb is to place plants 3–4 feet apart. Also, keep them at least 3 feet away from a building or other structure.

Plant shell ginger under a tree

This is a great specimen plant for punching up the color and drama in shade areas. Set ‘Zerumbet’ in the center of a bed as a thriller with smaller plants around it or plant it en masse for a tropical shrub border. We like to flank an entryway with shell ginger—it can be grown in large containers and is suitable for indoor displays as well. Moist, rich soil is best for this plant—like what you might find in the rainforest. 

Our variegated ginger is available in the true gallon size.