Alpinia vittata (v)
variegated ginger
An upright, evergreen perennial with almost-stalkless, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves vividly-striped with white and cream. Hanging flowerheads appear in summer, consisting of pale green flowers surrounded by pink bracts
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green Variegated White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Pink | Cream Green Variegated White | ||
| Autumn | Cream Green Variegated White | |||
| Winter | Cream Green Variegated White |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Alpinia are evergreen, clump-forming perennials with ginger-scented rhizomes. Strong, slender, reed-like stems to 3m high support lance-shaped leaves and sprays of flowers with showy, colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Pacific islands
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under heated glass in loam-based compost with 25 per cent added leaf mould and the same of composted bark. They require bright, filtered light and are more likely to thrive in a border than in a container that constricts growth
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in heat as soon as ripe, or divide in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut out flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
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.