This large perennial has ginger-scented rhizomes and forms a clump It has upright slender stems with dark-green glossy lanced-shaped leaves and the small white bell-shaped flowers are accompanied by red bracts appearing in a raceme during summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Alpinia purpuratais naturally found in tropical pacific islands growing in the understory of forests or along rainforest margins. It prefers a moist organic rich moderately well drained sandy soil in a semi-shaded to bright filtered light position with wind, frost and drought protection.

Red Ginger is a perennial that is grown for its attractive foliage and is used in tropical gardens or parks along borders or as a specimen around a water feature. It is also grown under glass in cool climates establishing from division in 1 to 2 years. It may also be grown as a screen plant against a fence or building. ID 1429

Alpinia(al-PIN-ee-a) purpurata (pur-pyoo-RAIT-a)

Zingiberaceae     (ZIN-jee-ber-AY-see-ee)
Ginger Family