Blue ginger flowers in autumn when there are few other blooms in the tropical garden – its striking blue flowers set off by a mass of glossy green foliage. For a shady spot in a frost few garden, this gem remains unsurpassed.
The blue ginger is a plant that loves its own company. It looks good in bold groupings planted a metre or so apart where it can substitute for a tropical shrub or plant as a single specimen in a shaded border. Planted in good conditions it can grow to about 2m tall. Blue ginger originates from the forests of Brazil, so a warm, humid nutrient enriched garden encourages a stellar performance. In moderately cool climates, blue ginger will grow best under trees where it can be protected from frost, this will enable them to stagger through the winter. However if they become untidy, you can cut the canes off and let the plant completely regrow.
