Costus erythrophyllus (Blood red spiral ginger, Ornamental ginger)

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Plant description

Costus erythrophllus, Blood Red Spiral Costus, is a herbaceous perennial, clumping tropical plant that is a great foliage plant for tropical and sub tropical areas. It has distinctive dark green, almost black leaves, with dark burgundy undersides. It has pink and red striped flowers. It is suitable for tropical to sub tropical areas, and warm temperate areas, as it is not frost tolerant. It will grow into a large clump.

Costus like a humus rich, well drained soil, and regular watering. It likes a part shade postion.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: pink and red
Flowering season: spring summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 2 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 2 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

Will tolerate partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 6.0-6.5

Pests

Red spider mite

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

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