Zingiber spectabile (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: All year round
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 2m
Hardiness: 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13
Family: Zingiberaceae
Zingiber spectabile is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid/ dark green leaves are lance shaped with entire margins, appear opposite off a pseudostem, are up to 50cm long and 5cm broad. Its orange/ pink inflorescence are composed of bracts which form a ellipsoid, are up to 30cm in height and at the end of a spike (scape) 1m above the ground, this emerges directly from its rhizome. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes which aids its slow spread.
Zingiber spectabile Flower (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Zingiber spectabile, commonly known as Beehive Ginger, Pine Cone Ginger, Ginger Wort or Malaysian Ginger, is native to maritime Southeast Asia. In their native habitat they grow on stream banks and near water bodies as an understory plant in tropical forests.
The etymological root of the binomial name Zingiber is derived from the Sanskrit meaning ‘shaped like a horn’. Spectabile is derived from the Latin specto meaning ‘to behold’.
The landscape architect may find Zingiber spectabile useful as a large upright tropical perennial with interesting flowers, suitable for bright conditions. This plant would be suitable for atrium type planting schemes.
Ecologically, Zingiber spectabile flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Zingiber spectabile Leaf (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Zingiber spectabile prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil.
When maintaining Zingiber spectabile as a houseplant its soil should be watered regularly. Watering should be reduced during the winter months. Its preferred active growing temperature rages from between 18ºc to 26ºc, although they will tolerate a near freezing temperature. Feeding with weak fertiliser solution should be carried out once a month during the growing season.
Landscape Architecture