Red Button Ginger: A Hardy and Vigorous Plant Despite its Tropical Reputation

Red Button Ginger, scientifically known as Alpinia purpurata, is a plant that has gained popularity due to its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers. However, many people are hesitant to grow it due to its reputation of only thriving in tropical climates. But is this really true? The answer lies in the experiences of gardeners who have successfully grown this plant in their own backyards.

One such gardener is crewdog from Marcus Hook, PA, who has been growing Red Button Ginger for over a decade. Despite being in zone 6b, which is considered to be outside of its typical tropical climate range, crewdog's plant has come back year after year after every winter. In fact, it has spread so much that he now lets it grow wild in his yard, enjoying the beautiful blooms and foliage it produces.

But what makes Red Button Ginger so hardy? According to jaflady from Pacific Palisades, CA, who also grows the plant, it is essential to provide it with 70% direct sun exposure for optimal flowering. However, if temperatures are hot and air is dry, the plant can become stressed and may not perform well.

Another important factor to consider when growing Red Button Ginger is its sensitivity to shade. While it can tolerate partial shade, it will never flower in complete shade. This means that gardeners who want to enjoy the beautiful blooms of this plant must provide it with enough sunlight.

Red Button Ginger is also a bit finicky when it comes to soil and watering. It prefers consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out between waterings. However, it can grow in any type of soil, from sandy loams to clay-rich soils.

In terms of propagation, Red Button Ginger can be grown from dividing rhizomes or tubers. This means that gardeners can easily share the plant with friends and family by dividing the rhizomes and replanting them.

While Red Button Ginger is a hardy and vigorous plant, it is not necessarily a good choice for indoor growing. It prefers to grow outdoors in full sun and can become leggy if grown indoors. However, gardeners who do choose to grow it indoors should provide it with bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.

Overall, Red Button Ginger is a beautiful and hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of climates. With proper care and attention, it can produce stunning blooms and add a touch of tropical elegance to any garden.

Red button ginger cold hardys