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Alpinia purpurata

red ginger

Zingiberaceae

Malaysia and the southwestern Pacific

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Alpinia purpurata is a clump-forming tropical evergreen perennial in the ginger family, growing 4-15 ft (1.2-4.5 m) tall from rhizomes, with leafy, cane-like stems. The glossy, lance-shaped leaves are 12-32 in (30-80 cm) long, arranged in two ranks along the stems. At the stem tips it produces upright, cone-like inflorescences 6-12 in (15-30 cm) long made of waxy red or pink bracts; the true flowers are small and white, tucked among the bracts. Small plantlets often form within the bract clusters and can root once they touch soil. The species is native to Malaysia and the southwestern Pacific and is widely grown in tropical regions. It grows in USDA zones 10 to 11 and is damaged or killed by frost, needing frost-free conditions or indoor protection in cooler climates. It needs warmth, high humidity, and consistent moisture, and the tall stems can flop in wind or deep shade.

Native Range

Alpinia purpurata is native to Malaysia and the islands of the southwestern Pacific. It is widely cultivated and naturalized across tropical regions worldwide, including Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Suggested Uses

Used in tropical and subtropical gardens as a tall accent or screen and grown as a cut flower, spaced 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) apart. In cooler climates it is grown in large containers moved indoors for winter.

How to Identify

Recognized by upright, cone-like inflorescences 6-12 in (15-30 cm) long composed of waxy red or pink bracts, held atop leafy, cane-like stems. The glossy, lance-shaped leaves are 12-32 in (30-80 cm) long and arranged in two ranks. Small plantlets often sprout from within the bract clusters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 15'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

In frost-free climates the colorful bracts can appear nearly year-round, with peak display in the warm, wet months. Each inflorescence stays colorful for several weeks as the small white flowers open among the bracts. Bloom slows during cooler or drier periods.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red or pink bracts with small white flowers

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Alpinia purpurata grows in full sun to part shade and rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils with pH from 5.5 to 7.0. It is hardy only in USDA zones 10 to 11 and needs frost-free conditions, warmth, and high humidity; cold damages or kills the foliage and stems. Water needs are high, with regular moisture during active growth. In containers it can be moved indoors or to a greenhouse where winters are cold. The tall stems can flop in wind or low light and do better in a sheltered position.

Pruning

Cut flowered stems to the ground after the bracts fade, since each cane flowers once, to make room for new growth from the rhizome. Frost-damaged or broken stems can be removed as needed. Dividing crowded clumps every few years maintains vigor.