Like all of the ginger plants in the family costaceae, Cheilocostus speciosus has true stems which spiral like a corkscrew.

It is grown extensively in India for the rhizomes, which are used in ayurvedic medicine. The flower buds are also edible, usually eaten fresh in salads or as a garnish.

Crepe paper ginger grows throughout India and the Malay peninsula, but it has naturalized itself in many places outside its natural range such as Fiji and Hawaii, and is a restricted invasive species in many other countries due to its vigorous nature.

Origin

Throughout India, and the Malay peninsula.

Family

Costaceae.

Binomial nomenclature

Cheilocostus speciosus, formerly classified as Costus speciosus.

Common names

Crepe paper ginger.

Description

Cheilocostus speciosus is an 8′ 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 light green leaves are 12″ long and 4″ wide, with a light green velvety underside. The terminal inflorescence is torch shaped with dark red/maroon bracts. Large white corollas with enormous translucent labellums emerge sequentially from between the bracts. These have the appearance of being made of crepe paper, and glisten when light shines through them from behind. The flowers are short lived, but the bracts are very long lasting, adding vibrant red color to the garden for months.

Height

6′-8′ tall.

Temperature/Zone

zone 7b, 25°F. This is one of the most cold tolerant of the family costaceae. In my yard in zone 9b, they go somewhat dormant. They stop growing and lose most of their leaves, but they don’t completely die back unless the Winter is particularly cold. Either way, they come right back from the rhizome in the Spring.

Light

Part sun to full sun. In full sun, they require a lot more water. In too much shade they are stunted and never bloom.

Water

Keep them evenly moist while they are growing.

Fertilizer

I’ve found them to be heavy feeders. I use a balanced fertilizer, quarter strength, weekly, while they are growing. Make sure they are getting an adequate amount of phosphorus. This will ensure that the rhizomes are robust and healthy, as well as providing the nutrients necessary for blooming. Do not fertilize in the Winter.

Cultivation

Cheilocostus speciosus is a very easy ginger to grow. It prefers rich, well drained soil. I also provide it with a layer of mulch to keep it hydrated.

Pests

I have not found any pests to be a problem for this plant in Florida.