Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Blue Ginger Plant for Your Landscape

Blue ginger plants are a stunning addition to any garden or landscape, with their bold foliage and striking blue or purple flowers. However, with so many different varieties available, it can be challenging to choose the right size for your space. In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of blue ginger plants and help you select the perfect one for your landscape.

Small Blue Ginger Plants

If you have limited space or want to use blue ginger as a ground cover, consider a small variety. Small blue ginger plants typically grow to around 1-2 feet in height and spread out to form dense clumps. Some popular small blue ginger varieties include:

• Dichorisandra thyrsiflora (blue bamboo ginger): This compact plant features tall, bamboo-like stems with blue-purple flowers.
• Dichorisandra pendula (falling stars ginger): This trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover. It produces small blue flowers that resemble falling stars.
• Dichorisandra reginae (blue ginger lily): This small plant features vibrant blue-purple flowers and grows well in both shade and partial sun.

Medium Blue Ginger Plants

Medium-sized blue ginger plants are perfect for adding height and texture to your landscape without taking up too much space. These plants typically grow to around 3-4 feet in height and have a more upright habit than smaller varieties. Some popular medium blue ginger varieties include:

• Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger): This plant features large, glossy leaves and produces clusters of pink or white flowers with a hint of blue.
• Costus barbatus (red button ginger): While technically not blue, this plant is still a popular choice for its striking red flowers. It grows to around 4 feet in height and has an upright habit.
• Costus woodsonii (jamaican mountain ginger): This plant produces tall spikes of blue or purple flowers and can grow up to 6 feet in height.

Large Blue Ginger Plants

For those with plenty of space to spare, large blue ginger plants can create a real statement in your landscape. These plants typically grow to over 6 feet in height and have a more tree-like habit than smaller varieties. Some popular large blue ginger varieties include:

• Etlingera elatior (torch ginger): This plant features huge inflorescences that resemble torches and can grow up to 20 feet in height in ideal conditions.
• Globba winitti (dancing ladies ginger): This plant produces tall spikes of yellow or white flowers with blue accents and can reach heights of up to 8 feet.
• Kaempferia laotica (purple butterfly ginger): While not as tall as some other large varieties, this plant spreads out to form dense clumps and produces stunning purple-blue flowers.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Space

When choosing the right size blue ginger plant for your landscape, there are a few things to consider:

• Space: How much space do you have available? If you have limited space, consider a smaller variety that won’t take up too much room. If you have plenty of space, a larger variety can create a real statement.
• Sunlight: How much sunlight does your chosen spot receive? Different varieties of blue ginger have different light requirements, so make sure you choose one that will thrive in your specific location.
• Water: How often do you want to water your plant? Some varieties require frequent watering, while others can tolerate drier conditions.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the perfect size blue ginger plant for your landscape.

FAQs

Q: Are blue ginger plants difficult to care for?

A: Not necessarily. Like all plants, they do require some care and attention, but they are generally quite hardy and low-maintenance.

Q: Do blue ginger plants attract bees or other pollinators?

A: Yes! The vibrant flowers of blue ginger plants are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Can I grow blue ginger plants indoors?

A: While it’s possible to grow some smaller varieties of blue ginger indoors, most prefer outdoor conditions with plenty of sunlight and fresh air.

Q: Are blue ginger plants invasive?

A: Some varieties of blue ginger can be invasive in certain areas. Make sure you check with your local nursery or gardening center before planting them in your landscape.

Q: Can I propagate my own blue ginger plants?

A: Yes! Blue ginger plants can be propagated through dividing clumps or taking stem cuttings. Just make sure you do so at the appropriate time of year and follow proper propagation techniques.