Costus pulverulentus
Rhizomatous, upright perennial about 2m tall, with large, dark green leaves, arranged in a spiral form, and tubular red to orange-red flowers with basal bracts, produced in dense terminal heads at any time of year
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Orange Red | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Costaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Costus are rhizomatous perennials with spirally arranged leaves and tubular, 3-petalled flowers usually in terminal clusters on leafy shoots and often with showy bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in a container or raised bed, using ericaceous potting compost, in bright indirect light, with high humidity. Water freely from spring to summer and use a general fertiliser monthly. Reduce watering in autumn and water sparingly in winter. Pot on or replant in spring. In humid tropical climates grow in a shady border
Propagation
Propagate by seed with heat, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.