Cluster of Variegated Shell Ginger white and pink flowers with green leaves in the background

Variegated Shell Ginger

5 Gallon
$49.99
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Cluster of Variegated Shell Ginger white and pink flowers with green leaves in the background
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Variegated Shell Ginger

Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’

A fast-growing tropical with bold, variegated leaves and fragrant shell-shaped flowers.

$49.99
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Variegated Shell Ginger is a spectacular tropical foliage plant that makes a bold statement with its dramatic, arching stems of large, luxuriant leaves. Each broad, lance-shaped leaf is strikingly striped in shades of vibrant green, creamy yellow, and white. In summer, it produces pendulous clusters of delicate, shell-shaped flowers that are pink and white with a subtle fragrance. Fast-growing and lush, it's the quintessential plant for adding instant tropical flair, structure, and year-round color to shaded patios, poolside plantings, or as a dramatic container specimen.

Striking Variegated Tropical Foliage: Features large, bold leaves with dramatic, irregular stripes of creamy yellow and white against a deep green background, providing constant visual impact.
Graceful Arching Form and Fragrant Flowers: Grows in a dense, fountain-like clump of arching stems, topped in summer with hanging clusters of delicate, fragrant, pink-and-white blooms.
Fast-Growing Tropical Accent: Quickly establishes to create a lush, full presence, making it ideal for creating privacy or a jungle-like atmosphere in shaded areas.
Thrives in Filtered Shade: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct, hot sun will scorch and fade its beautiful leaves.
Perfect for Containers and Tropical Landscapes: An outstanding container plant for patios and entryways. In frost-free climates, it's excellent for mass planting to create a tropical understory or accent near water features.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Foliage: Large, lance-shaped leaves with green and yellow striping; foliage used for wrapping traditional foods.Flowers: Large, pendulous shell-shaped flowers in pink-white-red shades; lightly fragrant.Habit: Dense, arching stems creating clumping tropical effect
  • Mature Height: 4-7 ft
  • Mature Width: 4 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Partial to full shade (sensitive to direct sun)
  • Key Advantages:Striking variegated foliage year-round.Tropical architectural presence.Edible leaves for culinary use.Shade tolerant.Pest resistant
  • Landscape Uses:Understory planting beneath trees.Container and patio plantings.Waterside and pond margins.Tropical theme gardens.Indoor conservatory plant
FAQs

Q: Can it be grown as a houseplant?
A: Yes, it can be an impressive indoor plant if given very bright, indirect light (such as near an east or west-facing window) and high humidity. It will not reach its full outdoor size indoors and needs a large container.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: No, it is a true tropical plant, hardy only in USDA zones 8b-11 (with protection in zone 8). It is damaged by frost. In cooler climates, it must be grown in a container and brought indoors to a bright, cool location before the first frost.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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