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Image shows the magnificent foliage of Costus woodsonii or Dwarf French
Kiss
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Costus woodsonii
(Dwarf French Kiss, Red Button Ginger, Spiral Ginger) |
Origin: Hispaniola
Family: Costaceae
Light: Sun-part shade/light shade
Height: 9-10'
Spread: 6-8'
Blooms: Yellow edible flowers emerging from terminal red,
button-like cones on gentle spiral stems, blooms year round
Foliage: Low, gorgeous, soft, glossy, green
Soil: Rich, organic, medium drought tolerant
Water: Regular
(do not wet foliage)
Fertilization: More in Summer, leess in Winter
Uses: Mass planting, container, accent, houseplant
Propagation: Rhizome division
Comments: Costus woodsonii or Dwarf French Kiss or Red Button Ginger
or Spiral Ginger
is a hardy and attractive tropical rhizome. This evergreen
perennial has an arched clumping growth habit. Costus woodsonii
bears beautiful edible yellow flowers year round from the terminal
button-like cones. It is easily propagated from rhizome division
and thrives in a light shade environment. Dwarf French Kiss Ginger is
hardy to temperatures of 50 degrees F and can
tolerate a brief period of frost but does no tolerate salt well.
Red Button Ginger makes a wonderful container plant for the patio or
home. This drought tolerant plant looks superb when grown in masses in the
perennial beds. It is carefree and does not demand much attention.
Mulch Red Button Ginger well to protect plants from frost. Costus
woodsonii is renamed in 1972 to honor Dr Robert Woodson who helped to
compile 'The flora of Panama' project.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8-10 |
