Dichorisandra thyrsiflora

RHS Plant Profile
blue ginger
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse

An erect perennial with short, rhizomatous roots and spirally arranged, lance-shaped lustrous dark green leaves, 20-30cm long. Deep violet flowers 1-2cm across are produced in dense racemes, 13-20cm long, in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Commelinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Suckering
Genus
Dichorisandra are upright evergreen perennials with leaves spirally aranged or in two ranks, and 3-petalled, blue or white flowers in racemes, followed by capsules splitting to reveal dark orange seeds
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Brazil

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light and high humidity. Water freely in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep just moist in winter

Propagation

Divide or root stem cuttings at any time

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Mealybugs may be troublesome

Diseases

Generally disease-free