Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Orange Red | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Orange Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Orange Red | Green | ||
Winter | Orange Red | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Costaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Costus are rhizomatous perennials with spirally arranged leaves and tubular, 3-petalled flowers usually in terminal clusters on leafy shoots and often with showy bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in a container or raised bed, using ericaceous potting compost, in bright indirect light, with high humidity. Water freely from spring to summer and use a general fertiliser monthly. Reduce watering in autumn and water sparingly in winter. Pot on or replant in spring. In humid tropical climates grow in a shady border
Propagation
Propagate by seed with heat, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.