Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata): Tropical Flower for Cut Arrangements

Overview

Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is a spectacular tropical perennial native to Melanesia and widely cultivated throughout the tropics. Its showy, cone-shaped inflorescences—bright red bracts enclosing small white flowers—are prized for long-lasting cut flower arrangements and tropical landscapes.

Botanical Description

Clumping, rhizomatous herb 2–4 m tall. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 30–60 cm long, glossy dark green. The inflorescence is a terminal spike 15–30 cm long, composed of overlapping, waxy, bright red bracts. True flowers are small, white, tubular, emerging from between bracts. Blooms year-round in tropical conditions.

Taxonomy

Family:	Zingiberaceae
Genus:	Alpinia (al-PIN-ee-uh)
Species:	purpurata (pur-pur-AH-tuh)
Synonym:	Guillainia purpurata

Growing Conditions

• Light: Part shade to filtered sun; avoids hot direct sun.
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, high organic matter.
• Water: High; consistent moisture essential.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 10–11; strictly tropical.

Uses

Cut flowers: Inflorescences last 2–3 weeks in arrangements. Landscape: Tropical borders, screens, water features. Cultural: National flower of Samoa; used in leis and ceremonies.

Cultivation Notes

In subtropical zones, grow in large containers and overwinter indoors. Divide rhizomes in spring. Fertilize heavily during active growth. Watch for spider mites in dry indoor air.