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Alpinia zerumbet (Shell ginger)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Alpinia zerumbet
Other names
Indian shell flower, Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily, Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa
Genus
Alpinia Alpinia
Species
A. zerumbet - A. zerumbet is an exotic perennial that is evergreen in its native Asia but deciduous in temperate climates. It has large paddle-shaped leaves and, in mild areas, may produce large striking spikes of white, yellow and pink flowers in late-summer.
Alpinia zerumbet is: Deciduous
Flower
Yellow, White, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Alpinia zerumbet (Shell ginger) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Foliage only, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, free-draining soil in a mild, sheltered situation and apply a protective mulch in winter.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Alpinia zerumbet
Other names
Indian shell flower, Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily, Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa
Genus
Alpinia Alpinia
Species
A. zerumbet - A. zerumbet is an exotic perennial that is evergreen in its native Asia but deciduous in temperate climates. It has large paddle-shaped leaves and, in mild areas, may produce large striking spikes of white, yellow and pink flowers in late-summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
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Colour
Flower
Yellow, White, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Alpinia zerumbet (Shell ginger) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Foliage only, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, free-draining soil in a mild, sheltered situation and apply a protective mulch in winter.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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