Many of you might already recognize these beautiful and exotic ginger flowers due to their unique taste. Some may consider the taste of the flowers as the perfect addition, and some may not, but its popularity can’t be denied. Whether as natural decorations for your garden, flavorful additions to your dish, or as gifts. However, not every kind of this tropical flower is edible. Some of them are just a beautiful piece for the show, not actually something you can consume. Therefore, here’s a little summary of ginger plants and their varieties!
About Ginger Plants
Ginger plants are native to Asia, where it was used as herbs for medicine. You can find this plant in warm climate countries like India, Southern China, and Japan. The flower of the ginger plant blooms in summer.
Types of Ginger Flowers
- Red Ginger
This captivating flaming red plant is native to Malaysia and is known as ‘awapuhi ‘ula ‘ula in Hawaii. This plant has a mesmerizing exotic appearance that captures many hearts. Red ginger is highly popular as potted plants and cut flowers. Yes, you read it right, cut flowers. They last longer than others as cut flowers, around three weeks.
This bloom also has a meaningful symbolism, which is fiery passion. That makes red ginger appropriate as a congratulatory gift. The perfect pair for this exotic bloom is spider lily. A combination of these two beautiful blooms serves an extraordinary appearance.
Care for this plant is not as complicated as you may have thought. Once you provided the plant with the right growing conditions, it will eventually bloom without a high level of maintenance.
- Pineapple Ginger
At a glance, pineapple ginger might look similar to re ginger. But, the shape of this flower is more identical to the form of pineapple rather than a pine cone. This plant is edible and used as an herb. This particular ginger also has many benefits as a cosmetic and is often used as a shampoo. This pineapple-like herb is also not a stranger to the perfumery world, thanks to its delightful fragrance. That is why pineapple ginger is used as one of the ingredients for body soap, lotion, and perfume.
- Butterfly Ginger
Another ginger with edible roots added to the list, butterfly ginger, is also known as the ginger lily. Don’t be mistaken, they are not true lilies. They bloom in yellow, peach, white, or orange blossoms.
The fragrance of butterfly ginger is pleasant and aromatic. That’s why it is popular in Hawaii. It has a sweet scent that’s quite identical to the scent of honeysuckle. As cut flowers, they could last up to a week. If you need a natural fragrant for your dining room, living room, or working space, you should consider having a vase of this lily-like ginger.
- Torch Ginger
This flower plays both roles as a decorative flower and a delicious spice. As a decorative flower, torch ginger is often used in floral arrangements along with other magnificent blooms. This ginger bloom is available in red, pink, and orange. The plant needs a generous amount of water, heat, and humidity to thrive. If you live in a tropical area and want to beautify your garden with this plant, it will be a perfect choice. Because this plant demands low-level maintenance. There are a few varieties for torch ginger, such as:
- The light pink Yamamoto ginger
- The giant red torch ginger
- White with subtle yellow hints torch ginger
- Pink buds and maroon leaves Borneo torch ginger
- The rare sunset red torch ginger
This kind of ginger flower is high in fiber. Fiber is very beneficial to improve digestion. Other than fiber, it also has antibacterial that helps to boost our bodies’ immune system. In addition, this plant is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
- Green Shell Ginger
Alpinia zerumbet, popularly known as shell ginger, is a beautiful ivory ginger flower with subtle hints of pink, yellow, and green. At one glance, we know this flower would be amazing for the landscape. Shell ginger blooms are one-of-a-kind. It has a drooping shape and is identical to a chain of pearls. For light conditions, this plant prefers part shade light. For growing conditions, this pearl-like flower needs well-drained soil. It is also a must to enrich the soil with organic matters.
- Oxblood Ginger
This particular ginger plant can grow into a huge size. With dark green leaves and red undersides, this plant receives the name “Oxblood.” Another trait of this plant is its white and pink buds. No doubt that it makes a beautiful addition of color to your garden.
This little summary might help you understand the differences between each kind of ginger plant and manage to pick the perfect one for your garden. Most of them will grow just fine in tropical weather, even without an excessive amount of care. Have fun choosing your ginger plant!