Alpinia caerulea

Alpinia caerulea Details

Alpinia caerulea, commonly known as Australian Native Ginger, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and pretty flowers. It features glossy, dark green foliage with a red underside, giving an overall lush and fresh appeal. Clusters of small and fragrant, white flowers in summer are followed by blue berries. The leaf shoots and berries have a ginger flavour and can be cooked or eaten fresh. It grows as a clump to about 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide, growing best in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. In cold environments it may die back but during winter but will regenerate from storage roots once the temperature warms. It is also tolerant of coastal environments provided there is good wind protection. Alpinia caerulea is commonly added to mixed plantings, used in tropical gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or grown anywhere a lush and beautiful plant is required.