Common name Red ginger, jungle queen, jungle king, Ostrich Plume. Family Zingerberaceae (Ginger family).
Overview Alpinia purpurata is a rhizomatous perennial from tropical America. It grows up to 9' tall and develops into large clumps. There are 2 (two) varieties: the red - (Jungle king) and the pink one (Jungle queen). This is a ginger with deep red (pink) spikes of flowers; small white flowers emerge from the bracts of the spike. It has larger shiny green oblong leaves and very small seeds. The jungle king and - queen are used as tropical cut flowers.
Hardiness USDA zone 9 - 11. Propagation Rhizomes and seeds. Culture Partial sun / light shade, well drained, moist soil. An excellent tropical container plant; grows best above 50° F. Keep growing area humid. It can be used in tropical cut flower arrangement.