This rhizomatous perennial has upright arching cane-like stems and forms a clump. It has glossy dark green thin textured wavy lance-shaped leaves and the red cone-shaped flower head appears above the ground on a stout stem during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Etlingera elatior is naturally found in Java, Indonesia growing along lowland forest margins commonly associated with watercourses from sea level to an altitude of 1,350 m (4429 ft). This plant has also naturalised in many tropical regions including Hawaii, Costa Rica and many parts of Southeast Asia. 

It prefers a sunny to semi-shade protected humid position and grows in organic rich, well to moderately drained fertile moist soil that is tending acidic with a pH range from 5.6 to 7.5 and is frost and drought tender.

Torch Ginger is grown for its flowers, clumping habit and its ginger-like foliage. It is planted in parks and large gardens or botanical gardens as a specimen along borders or around water features for a tropical effect.  It is also used for screening along fence lines and the flowers are commonly cut for floral arrangements.  

It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and establishes from division in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. In cold regions this perennial is grown under glass or in a conservatory as a specimen and care should be taken when selecting a site as under ideal conditions it may become invasive. ID 2934

Etlingera (et-LING-er-a)  elatior (ee-LAY-tee-or)

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