Red Tower Ginger
There is some argument as to whether this plant is correctly identified. There seems to be a growing consensus among botanists, that the plants grown in the nursery trade, identified as Costus barbatus, are actually Costus comosus barkeri. Since almost everyone growing this plant uses the binomial nomenclature Costus barbatus, I will continue to use that name to avoid confusion. Just be aware that it may be wrong.
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How to grow the red tower ginger flower
The one trick for how to grow the red tower ginger flower, is to make sure that it does not freeze. The plant is quite tough, and will survive a frost, but the stems will die back, and they only flower on the stems from the previous year’s growth. They will survive the Winter in Zone 8, but they will not bloom there.
These plants are quite tough and forgiving of poor soil conditions, as well as being rather drought tolerant, but if grown in this way, they’ll merely survive, and won’t look very good. If you want a truly magnificent specimen, water and feed them regularly. If you do, the gracefully spiraling foliage topped by vibrant red bracts and striking yellow flowers, will steal the show in your garden.
Origin
Costa Rica.
Family
Costaceae.
Binomial nomenclature
Costus barbatus. There is some question as to the correct identity of the plants grown in the nursery trade. Many assert that these plants are actually Costus comosus barkeri.
Common names
Red tower ginger.
Description
Costus barbatus is a tall ginger with spiraling foliage typical of the family costaceae. The stems, which are true stems, spiral like a corkscrew, and the leaves themselves spiral around the main stem. The dark green leaves are 12″ long and 4″ wide, with a light green velvety underside. The terminal inflorescence is torch shaped with fire engine red bracts. Striking yellow corollas emerge sequentially from between the bracts. The flowers are short lived, but the bracts are very long lasting, adding vibrant red color to the garden for months.
Height
5′-8′.
Temperature/Zone
Zone 8a, 32°F. This plant is very tough, and the rhizome will survive a hard freeze, but they only bloom in years when the foliage is not frozen back.
Light
Part shade. In too much sun they get a bleached look to them.
Water
Keep them evenly moist while they are growing. They are quite tolerant of drought, but they only look their best when kept hydrated.
Fertilizer
I use a balanced fertilizer while they are growing. Make sure to provide an adequate amount of phosphorus. Do not fertilize in the Winter.
Cultivation
Costus barbatus is a very easy ginger to grow. It prefers rich, well drained soil.
Pests
I have not found any pests to be a problem for this plant in Florida.
