Zingiber zerumbet ‘Variegata’ - 3 bulbs

Zingiber zerumbet 'variegata' is a beautiful ginger with creamy white and green striped foliage. This ginger has an adorable little bloom that you won't want to miss; however, it is the foliage that is something to be sure to have in your garden! The variegated foliage has large, lance-shaped leaves, and is striped yellowish-gold and green. This ginger works great as a (large) houseplant too. It can be grown in zones 8-11 in the ground, but colder regions can grow it in pots.  

 

What to expect: Zingiber will put up its foliage in the spring. It likes moist soil. It will grow 4-6 feet tall (and 2-4 feet wide) with foliage that is full and striped. It will produce a bloom in June/July. The foliage may begin to die back in the fall when in containers or zones colder than 10. Otherwise, it will remain attractive year-round.  

Planting Requirements - Sun and Water: These rhizomes like to planted in well-drained soil. Plant them just below the surface of the soil with about 1 inch of dirt above them. They do best with morning sun and late afternoon shade. In zones 6-8, you can have your pots where they receive sunlight most of the day. If you have your pots indoors, then keep them near a window or a growing light. They do best if the soil is moist but not soggy so you may need to irrigate your ginger more than some of your other plants especially if it is a hot, dry summer. In zone 8, you will want to mulch very well over the top of the rhizomes for winter. Bring your pots indoors until the temperatures are consistently at least 50 degrees day and night.   

? Container Growing Guide: Zingiber zerumbet ‘Variegata’

 

Category	Details
Pot Size	Start with at least 14–18 inches wide and deep; larger if growing a clump
Drainage	Must have drainage holes—this plant dislikes soggy roots
Soil	Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost or pine bark
Light	Bright, indirect light or morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon sun
Watering	Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
Feeding	Monthly feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth
Humidity	Prefers high humidity; mist regularly or place near a humidifier
Temperature	Thrives in warm temps (65–85°F); protect from temps below 50°F
Overwintering	In cool zones, bring indoors before frost or let go dormant in a cool, dry place
Repotting	Every 2–3 years, or when rhizomes outgrow the pot; divide and replant if needed

Blooms and Foliage:  The foliage is one of this ginger's most unique and attractive features! It is extremely ornamental with long, lance-shaped leaves that are 12-20 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. the leaves are boldly striped with creamy yellow-gold against a deep green background. The foliage provides a tropical elegance to your landscape and stands out beautifully in dark afternoon-shaded corners of your garden. The foliage spills out like a fountain. In pots, it tends to grow more upright and tidy which makes it ideal for corners or as a statement plant. This ginger is sometimes called 'Shell Ginger' because of its bloom. The waxy, light pink flower buds appear to be shells before they open. Once open, their yellow petals with red throats are eye-catching. The flowers drrop from the ends of the leafy stems instead of rise up directly from the rhizomes which makes this ginger unique within the ginger family. The flowers are fragrant!  

Mulitplying: This ginger will spread its rhizomes. A single rhizome can eventually create a large, lush stand. The ginger will multiply quickly and reliably in warm temperatures, good moisture, and partial sun. It is best to divide in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Each new rhizome should have at least one healthy "eye" to sprout a new shoot. In pots, you will likely need to repot and divide every 2-3 years. What great gifts to give!!

Animals:  Ginger is considered resistant to deer and other andimals (though deer have been known to eat plastic flowers). It is not toxic to pets or animals; however, if ingested in large quantities, it can can mild digestive issues.  

Fun uses:  

Aromatic Use: When crushed, the foliage has a lightly spicy, gingery aroma, though not as strong as the rhizomes.