Red button ginger plants also produce small capsule-like fruits which contain black seeds. These cylindrical spikes can be 12-15 cms long tapering towards the tip when they become older. The inflorescence is made up of bright, glossy, red bracts that are shaped like large lipstick tubes, with orange-red flowers projecting from inside the bracts. It is the beautiful inflorescence that gives the plant its name, Red button ginger. Red button ginger leaves are glossy and dark green on the upper surface and paler on the lower surface.

They are elliptical with a sharp pointy end and are about 20-25 cms long.

Leaves are thick, fleshy, leathery, alternate, with no stalk, and spirally arranged along the tall stem. These decorative, funky plants can reach a height of 1-2 meters with thick, succulent stems which are slightly spiral. Red button ginger plant in bloom looks like it has tiny red missiles ready for launch, positioned on stems all over the plant. If planting around a palm, come out about 3 feet.Ĭome out from the house 3 feet, and in from walks and drives 5 feet if you can.Common name: Red button ginger, Indian head ginger, Spiral ginger, Red cane ginger, Scarlet spiral flag, Red button costus, Dwarf cone ginger, Panama candle plant, Red cane, Dwarf French kiss Place them 4 to 5 feet apart and allow at least 4 feet between a ginger and the nearest shrub. These beautiful plants have a massive spread, so give them plenty of room to spread their wings.

No trimming is needed other than to do a warm-weather pruning for size and/or to remove a dead leaf now and then.Īlthough these plants don't mind dry conditions, they'll look their best with regular irrigation timed so that the soil has a chance to dry out between waterings.įertilize 3 times a year - in spring, summer, and fall - with a top quality granular fertilizer. Choose a well-drained area or this plant won't do well. Add composted cow manure and top soil (or organic peat moss) to the hole when you plant.

Red button ginger spliy