(formerly costus cuspidatus) is a wonderful little ginger from South America with stunning orange flowers. For a ginger of such small stature, it can be very showy. The tight clusters of low growing foliage are quite attractive, but the flowers are truly amazing. It is reported that this plant has medicinal properties, and as a result, it has become accepted in ayurvedic medicine, but I have not found any scientific verification of these claims.
Origin
Brazil
Binomial nomenclature
Chamaecostus cuspidatus (formerly Costus cuspidatus)
Common names
Fiery costus
Description
Chamaecostus cuspidatus is a small perenial ginger with true stems. It is an evergreen in warm climates, but may die back to the rhizome in colder climates. The four inch long, dark green leaves are arranged spirally around the fleshy stem. The briliant orange, two inch flowers, have a sparkly sheen, dentate edges, and have the appearance of being made out of crepe paper.
Height
18-24″
Temperature/Zone
Zone 9, 28°F or higher. In zones lower than 9, they will need to be brought into a greenhouse during the Winter.
Light
Shade to part shade.
Water
Keep them evenly moist during the warm months, but allow them to dry out a bit more during the winter.
Fertilizer
I use an all purpose fertilizer. Do not fertilize fiery ginger during the Winter.
Cultivation
C. cuspidatus prefers rich, well drained soil.
Pests
Scale insects sometimes attack C. cuspidatus, particularly the inflorescences.
