Also known as Ginger Lily · 23 saves
Alpinia
Alpinia, the genus most gardeners know as ginger lily. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Alpinia varieties
Browse all 6 Alpinia varieties →
3 species of Alpinia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Alpinia in Sow
Save the Alpinia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Alpinia
Whats common across all Alpinia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Alpinia year
- FertilizeApril–August83% of varieties
Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- DivideMarch and April50% of varieties
Divide rhizomes in early spring every few years to propagate or control spread.
- Winter PrepNovember and December50% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of mulch after the first frost for winter protection.
- Spring CleanupApril33% of varieties
Remove any foliage damaged by winter cold and clear away dead leaves.
- Check for PestsJune and July33% of varieties
Inspect new flower bracts and leaf undersides for aphids and spider mites.
Do
- Prune dead or damaged leaves
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to retain moisture
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Keep the soil evenly moist during the active growing season.
Avoid
- Avoid drought stress ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun 🌞
- Don’t over-fertilize to prevent leaf burn
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
What goes wrong with Alpinia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on tender new growth and sticky honeydew on leaves. | Wash them off with a strong spray of water or apply horticultural oil. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage under dry, indoor conditions. | Increase humidity, mist the foliage regularly, and treat with insecticidal soap if infestations persist. |
| Scale insects | Small, waxy, immobile bumps colonizing the pseudostems and depleting plant vigor. | Treat the stems thoroughly with horticultural oils. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and mushy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves and mushy, blackening rhizomes caused by soggy soil. | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and ensure the pot or planting site drains freely. |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown or dark spots on the foliage, often in stagnant, poorly ventilated environments. | Increase air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. |
Making more Alpinia
Rhizome division
- Dig up mature rhizomes in early spring.
- Divide rhizomes into sections with at least one eye each.
- Plant divisions 2 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Division
- Dig up a mature clump in spring using a sharp spade to expose the underground rhizomes.
- Cut the rhizomes into sections, ensuring each division has at least one healthy bud or shoot.
- Reduce leaf transpiration on the divisions by cutting the foliage back to about one-third of its original height.
- Replant the divisions immediately into moist, well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
Alpinia questions
How many types of Alpinia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Alpinia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 23 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Alpinia grow in?
Across its varieties, Alpinia covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Alpinia bloom?
Most Alpinia varieties bloom in mid-summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Alpinia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.