Zingiberaceae

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the ‘Shurei’ ginger (Hedychium x ‘Shurei’), a fragrant, peach-colored flowering plant. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and growth habits. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8B through 11 and can be planted year-round. It is noted for its aggressive spreading nature and suitability for borders, mass planting, and indoor growth. The document also highlights the plant’s soil and light requirements, moderate drought tolerance, and pest resistance. Additionally, it offers guidance on planting, propagation, and optimal growing conditions to maximize flowering. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the butterfly ginger (Hedychium coronarium), highlighting its ornamental value and cultivation requirements. The butterfly ginger is noted for its fragrant, white flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8B through 11 and can be planted year-round in these regions. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It is suitable for borders, mass planting, and indoor growing. The butterfly ginger is not considered invasive and has moderate drought tolerance. It is generally pest-resistant and can be propagated by dividing its rhizomes. Original publication date October 1999.

Paul Fisher, Rosanna Freyre, Celina Gómez, Brian Pearson, Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Shawn Steed, Wanda Laughlin, Robert Hochmuth, Jeff Wasielewski, Deah Lieurance, Carrie Harmon, Mathews Paret, Lance Osborne, Kevin Athearn, Steven Sargent, Mengzi Zhang

Ginger, galangal, and turmeric (Figure 1) are emerging crops for Florida production. All of these plants are in the Zingiberaceae family and share most aspects of their production. This publication describes production in containers or the field under Florida conditions to help guide growers interested in ginger, turmeric, and galangal production or expanding their market. All species have been evaluated by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (UF/IFAS Assessment) using the Predictive Tool (an invasion risk assessment) and all present a low risk of invasion in Florida (https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu).

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Variegated shell ginger has striking green and yellow variegated foliage. This plant’s ornamentally interesting foliage and shell-like flowers make it an excellent specimen or accent plant, as well as being suitable for mass planting, borders, or as a houseplant.