How to Grow Red Ginger
Wikimedia Commons
Red Ginger
Alpinia purpurata
flowerRed ginger is a stunning tropical flowering plant prized for its vibrant red, waxy bracts that resemble exotic flowers and can persist for months. Native to the South Pacific, it produces lush green foliage and is commonly grown as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical gardens. The plant is also valued in floristry for long-lasting cut flowers.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Red Ginger in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Ginger timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Red Ginger
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Red Ginger blooms
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Ginger dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-11; can be grown in containers in zone 10a with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Red Ginger grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Red Ginger timeline →Growth Stages
Rhizome Establishment
2-4 weeksEarly growth from dormant rhizomes; small shoots emerge and establish root systems
Keep soil warm (70-80°F), moist, and in bright indirect light; be patient as germination can take 2-4 weeks
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsLush green foliage develops; plant grows tall with broad, attractive leaves along tall stems
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture and humidity; provide support stakes if needed
Bud Development
4-8 weeksTerminal buds form at stem tips; green bracts begin to emerge and gradually color
Continue regular feeding; ensure adequate light and warmth (70-85°F); maintain consistent watering
Flowering/Bract Display
2-3 months (bracts persist long-term)Vibrant red bracts fully develop and unfold; small white or yellow true flowers emerge between the bracts
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase potassium and phosphorus; remove any dead foliage to showcase blooms
Maturity & Repeat Blooming
Ongoing for mature plantsPlant continues to produce new inflorescences from multiple stems; becomes fuller and more branched with age
Deadhead spent bracts if desired; allow some to remain for continuous display; prune to shape annually
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil if infestation occurs
-
Remove with soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
-
Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days
Uses
Ginger Rhizome Harvesting
CulinaryWhile Alpinia purpurata is primarily ornamental, some Alpinia species have edible rhizomes. The rhizomes can be dried and used in teas and traditional medicine, though they are less commonly consumed than Zingiber officinale (common ginger). [source]
Cut Flower Arrangement
HouseholdRed ginger's vibrant, long-lasting bracts are prized by florists and gardeners for tropical and exotic floral arrangements. The striking flowers add dramatic color and architectural interest to fresh bouquets and can last several weeks in water. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalAlpinia species have been used in traditional Asian medicine for their warming and digestive properties. Extracts and decoctions have been studied for potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, though evidence is limited compared to common ginger. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeRed ginger attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar and colorful bracts. The plant provides food and shelter for tropical wildlife in garden ecosystems. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
CraftRed ginger is a signature tropical ornamental plant used to create lush, exotic garden landscapes. Its height, texture, and long-lasting colorful display make it ideal for focal points and background plantings in warm climates. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, select fully colored bracts and cut stems at an angle just above leaf nodes; they last 2-3 weeks in water. For maximum display in the garden, allow bracts to mature fully and remain on the plant for months of color.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red ginger bracts can persist on the plant for 2-3 months or longer, providing an extended flowering display unmatched by many other tropical plants.
- 🌱 The plant is native to Indonesia and other South Pacific islands, where it thrives in humid rainforest conditions and is sometimes called 'Red Tower Ginger' or 'Ostrich Plume.'
- 🌱 In Hawaiian culture, red ginger is sometimes associated with tropical abundance and is a popular garden plant throughout the Hawaiian Islands, where it adapts well to the climate.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Red Ginger planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Red Ginger seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Red Ginger timeline →