PlantWerkz: Crepe Ginger - Variegated Cheilocostus Speciosus

Crepe Ginger - Variegated Cheilocostus speciosus

Common Name: Crepe Ginger

Scientific Name: Variegated Cheilocostus speciosus

Height: 6.5-10 ft (2-3 m)

Span: 3.3-6.5 ft (1-2 m)

Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Tolerance: Shade

ABP Index: 2.5 (Aesthetics 4.0, Solidarity 1.0)

Cheilocostus speciosus 'Variegatus' common name is Variegated Crepe Ginger. It is native to Tropical Asia. It is one of the spiral gingers and this species grows some of the best spirals in the group. It is an evergreen fast growing plant. The plant can grow in full sun or shade but well grow in the shady places. It grows 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) in height. Most striking are the long pointed, glossy green leaves that grow spirally around the trunk. Some stalks grow upright; others turn into a spiral, which makes the appearance of this plant really interesting. The buds open into a large, tissue-paper-like flower over 3 inches in diameter. Flowers open singly or a few at a time through the summer. They are white and look as they were made of thin crepe paper. The flower is the reason this is sometimes called the Crepe Ginger.