Imagine lush, tropical foliage spilling from a shady corner of your garden—or even a large container on your patio—paired with fragrant blooms in stunning colors and bi-color combinations. That’s the magic of ornamental flowering gingers.
These shade-loving beauties bring bold, exotic appeal without the fuss, thriving in warm climates with minimal effort. Whether you’re working with limited sun or looking to fill a statement planter, flowering gingers deliver drama, fragrance and bold colors.
Variegated Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’)
Features: Yellow-and-green striped leaves; drooping, porcelain-like flower clusters.
Best Use: Striking foliage focal point in partial shade.
Shell Ginger (top), Tulip Ginger (bottom)
Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)
Features: Massive, wax-like pink or red blooms that resemble burning torches.
Best Use: Large-scale tropical landscapes and dramatic architectural heights.
Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium coronarium)
Also known as “White ginger”
Features: Intensely fragrant, pure white flowers resembling butterflies.
Best Use: Near patios or walkways where the sweet scent can be enjoyed.
Butterfly ginger
Beehive Ginger (Zingiber spectabile)
Features: Sturdy, architectural bracts that look exactly like colorful honeybee hives.
Best Use: Exotic accents and long-lasting cut flower arrangements.
Beehive Ginger
Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii)
Features: Spiral stems topped with vibrant, glossy red cones and yellow flowers.
Best Use: Low-maintenance borders and mass plantings.
Hidden Ginger (Curcuma petiolata)
Features: Pink or purple tulip-like blooms nestled just below broad green foliage.
Best Use: Excellent container plant or deciduous understory groundcover.
Red Button Ginger (top), Hidden Ginger (bottom)
Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum)
Features: Large, showy spikes of bright yellow flowers with dramatic red stamens.
Best Use: Adding vertical texture and late-summer color to the garden.
General Care And Growing Tips
Sunlight Requirements:
Filtered light to partial shade for most varieties.
Soil and Watering:
Rich, organic, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Ginger plants thrive in hot, humid climates.