Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Zingiber spectabile, Bee Hive Ginger


Flowers of Zingiber spectabile, Bee Hive Ginger

This ginger is from the so called 'cool tropics', the hill country of Thailand and thus it will grow as far south as Sydney but getting it to flower is another story. It flowers well in Brisbane and down as far as Coff's Harbour but I have not seen it do so locally. It likes a spot in semi shade with rich soil containing plenty of organic matter. Planting it close to a path means you can admire the unusual flowers up close. Cut flowers have a long vase life and look very exotic in a modern arrangement.

4 comments:

  1. Gingers are such attractive plants. I have planted many gingers but the Shell Ginger has taken on huge proportions. It is such a vigorous plant with the most exquisite flowers. I think the beehive ginger is more civilized!

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  2. Those are really interesting and do look similar to carefully crafted bee hives. I am trying to imagine what they feel like. ;>)

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  3. They look attractive with their mathematical formations. I wonder if the roots are edible:)

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  4. Those flowers are so lovely in the first photo without too much foliage. I've seen the pink varieties in some areas here, i wonder if they will flower in more hot areas or lowland. I am about to buy them last time but wondered if i can produce flowers.

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