Shampoo Ginger, often called Pinecone Ginger, is used to make various nature shampoos. Its common name in Hawaii is "Awapuhi." It produces a large green cone bract in mid summer, after blooming its bract begins turning scarlet red working its way up the cone and last for weeks. The bract resembles a pine cone which releases a thick sudsy juice when squeezed with a very gingerly scent (shampoo), and can also be used as an unusual cut flower for arrangements.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber
Species: Zerumbet
Cultivar: None Identified

Beehive Ginger is a medium to tall species that has a large yellow and red inflorescence of a beehive shape. It is used frequently in the cut flower industry and has a very long lasting inflorescence. Inflorescence are borne on short stalks coming from the ground rather than on top of its foliage.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber
Species: Spectabile
Cultivar: None Identified

One of the most spectacular of all Irises, their 5- to 9-inch-wide flowers bloom in purple, pink, white and blue, often marked with a contrasting color. The 2- to 3-foot-tall stems each produce 3 to 15 single, double or peony-like flowers in early to mid-summer. Will not tolerate hot, dry climates. Thrive with lots of moisture and rich, organic soil. Ideal in groups near ponds or in pots submerged in water. Plant divisions in spring. Feed heavily with high nitrogen during growing season for maximum-sized blooms. Divide and replant every 3 to 4 years.

Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Species: Pseudacorus
Cultivar: None Identified

A crown of banana-like leaves atop a palm tree trunk, combined with huge, uniquely beautiful flowers, is deserving of the name, "Bird of Paradise tree." Related to the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia regina ), this close cousin is a much larger plant forming huge clumps of stems to 30 feet in comparison to S. regina's 3 to 4 feet height.

The 6 - 8' leaves are grey-green and arranged in fans atop the trunks. Plants form clumps of several variably-sized trunks that may grow to 18' in width under optimal conditions. The inflorescence are composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals and bluish-purple "tongue". The entire "bird" can be as large as 7" high by 18" long and is typically held just above the point where the leaf fan emerges from the trunk. Flowers are followed by triangular seed capsules.

The foliage on this plant will typically die back in areas with a hard frost, though the plant itself can be kept alive as far as zone 8a with a good mulch. With additional protection, you may be able to grow it in the ground even further north. Any time it dies back to the ground however, the plant basically has to restart its growth - so flowering is very unlikely this way. Only mature plants typically flower, so you must pot the plant up if you live above zone 9-10.

Family: Strelitziaceae
Genus: Strelitzia
Species: Nicolai
Cultivar: None Identified

White butterfly ginger lily, or simply white ginger, is a tropical perennial and a cousin of culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale). It's green stalks grow from thick rhizomes to a height of 3-7 ft. Leaves are lance-shaped and sharp-pointed, arranged in 2 neat ranks that run the length of the stem. From midsummer through autumn the stalks are topped with 6-12 inch long clusters of incredibly fragrant white flowers that look like butterflies. The flowers eventually give way to showy seed pods chock full of bright red seeds.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Hedychium
Species: Coronarium
Cultivar: None Identified

Curcuma Elata, also know as the 'Giant Plume' Ginger, is one of the first gingers to bloom in spring. Large pink inflorescence is produced before leaves appear. Plants can become quite large; it grows well in medium to full sun. Elata will go dormant in November in cooler climates but returns in April or May.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Species: Elata
Cultivar: None Identified

Their scientific name means "sweet snow". Whether pure white, yellow, pink, or red, their ethereal, orchid-like blossoms all exude a delicious fragrance, never quite matched by bottled perfumes. Showcased in the finest Hawaiian leis, they keep their scent for several weeks. Native to moist tropical forests from sea level into the Himalayas, they spread by stout rhizomes. Attractive leaves flare out in a single plane around the many reedy stems. Hedychium coronarium (White Ginger) tolerates standing in water and thrives in temperature climates with mild winters (above freezing) and warm summers. Hedychium gardnerarium, greenei, flavum, and forestii do well in subtropical beds. Himalayan species are hardy to 28º F by a south-facing wall, with mulch. All other species are tropicals, demanding temperatures over 65º F, high humidity, richly fertile soil, and plenty of water. Where there is any danger of frost, dig up the roots in fall and store in damp soil at 35º to 45º F until spring. Outdoor plants seemingly killed by frost may produce new stalks in early spring. Good in tubs, though they will not grow as tall. Place tubs in a shallow pan of water to keep soil constantly moist, and liquid feed while growing. In winter, cut back on water and let go dormant. Trim off dead flower spikes, but keep old leafy stems to nurture new spring growth until well established. Too much shade and warmth in winter inhibit blooming. Grow from fresh seeds or by division in spring. Bulbuls of Hedychium greenei may sprout plantlets while still attached.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Hedychium
Species: Gardnerianum
Cultivar: Kahili Fiesta