Alpinia pumila (Silver Lance Dwarf Ginger)

Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10, at least 6" tall Origin: China

New crop available 12-3-2009 Thanks to ginger guru Tom Wood for telling us about Alpinia pumila, which has become one of our new favorite hardy gingers. A. pumila hails from the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Yunnan where it can be found in mountain valleys at 1,600'-3,600'. A. pumila makes a diminutive, slowly stoloniferous groundcover with 6" long x 3" wide leaves of green, highlighted by broad silver streaks. The cardamon-fragranced leaves are held at a low, nearly horizontal angle to the ground. As if you need more, watch for the 1" tall basal flower spikes of bright red in April-May...simply charming for deep shady areas...both the alpinia and Tom. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)