The Variegated Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’), also known as Variegated Shell Ginger, is a lush, fast-growing tropical perennial grown for its broad, gold-and-green striped leaves and dangling, shell-like flower clusters. It is one of the quickest ways to fill a shady bed with bright color and bold texture.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Ginger Variegated Breakdown
Appearance:
Wide, lance-shaped leaves boldly striped in deep green and golden yellow, carried on arching, cane-like stems that form a dense clump.
Mature canes produce pendulous clusters of waxy, shell-shaped buds — white blushed pink with a yellow-and-red throat — in spring and early summer.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
Spreads steadily from underground rhizomes and fills in quickly during the warm, wet season.
Size:
Typically 4–6 feet tall and wide in South Florida, occasionally taller in rich, moist soil.
Our 3-gallon plants are 14–16 inches tall.
Sunlight Requirements:
Part shade is ideal.
Morning sun with afternoon shade keeps the variegation bright without scorching the leaf edges; it tolerates deeper shade with slightly less color.
Water Needs:
Moderate.
Likes consistently moist soil and looks its best with regular irrigation; wilts in prolonged drought but recovers quickly.
Soil Preferences:
Rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Mulch to hold moisture.
Maintenance:
Medium.
Cut spent or tattered canes to the ground to keep the clump fresh (new canes replace them), and divide the clump every few years if it outgrows its space. Feed in spring and summer for the fullest foliage.
Landscape Use:
Tropical accent, mass plantings under palms and trees, shady foundation beds, borders, and large containers.
Excellent for brightening the north or east side of a house.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 8–11.
Evergreen in South Florida; a hard freeze may knock the tops back, but it regrows from the rhizomes.
Plant a few in a shaded bed and in a single season you have a glowing, waist-high wall of striped foliage — one of the best bang-for-the-buck tropicals we carry.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Ginger Variegated ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Ginger Variegated in Florida
Choose Sun + Spacing
Most Florida plants prefer full to partial sun. Check mature width and space accordingly so plants don’t crowd as they fill in.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the container and slightly shallow. This encourages roots to spread outward into native soil.
Plant at Proper Height
Remove from the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade.
Water to Establish
Water deeply right after planting. For the first 10–14 days, consistent moisture is critical—don’t let the root ball dry out.
Mulch + Light Maintenance
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep off the stem). Once settled, light trimming encourages fuller growth.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
Dino's Palms just completed a full landscape install at our property in Tequesta. They planted 10 Christmas palms, 9 Coconuts, Silver buttonwood trees, hundreds of clusia, and more small plants. I cannot speak highly enough about the quality and service.
Great price for plants with delivery in PBC. They also did the install and did a great job! I ordered Saturday and had everything in by end of Tuesday. They were quick, upfront with pricing, reasonable and the plants are healthy and gorgeous. Highly recommend!
Dino's Palms did an amazing job with delivering and installation of my new calusia. Their plants are very affordable and I highly recommend them.
