5 Seeds Costus speciosus Spiral Ginger Tropical Ornamental
Costus speciosus, commonly known as Spiral Ginger or Crepe Ginger, is a tropical ornamental perennial prized for its tall, spiraling stems and dramatic crepe-textured blooms. The plant grows from thick, fleshy rhizomes and produces bold, paddle-shaped leaves arranged in a graceful spiral around each stem, creating an architectural look in warm-climate gardens and large containers.
Spiral Ginger is grown primarily for its ornamental value in tropical and subtropical landscapes, where its lush, upright form works well as a backdrop planting, around water features, or in large patio pots. It prefers warmth, consistent moisture, and bright filtered light, and it spreads slowly by rhizome to form a full clump over time. In cooler zones it can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors or lifted before frost.
Species: Costus speciosus
Variety: Spiral Ginger
Type: Tropical perennial (rhizomatous)
Plant_Habit: Upright, clumping, spiraling stems
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 9-11 (grown as container plant in cooler zones)
Germination: Sow seed in warm, moist, well-drained medium; keep consistently warm
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly cover, keep moist and warm
Spacing: 24-36 inches apart
Notes: Allow rhizomes room to spread; water regularly during active growth