Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora) is gaining popularity across Australia for its vibrant blue flowers and lush tropical foliage. This exotic plant native to Brazil is a real showstopper in any garden. With striking arching leaves and unique flower spikes, Blue Ginger adds architectural drama unmatched by other ornamentals.
Beyond its aesthetic virtues, Blue Ginger has traditionally been used in Brazilian herbal medicine to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and pain relief. While research is still limited on these applications, it’s clear Blue Ginger offers both beauty and therapeutic promise.
An Introduction to the Vivid Blue Ginger Plant
Blue Ginger is a spreading evergreen perennial botanically classified in the Commelinaceae family. Growing over 2 meters tall at maturity, its thick arching stems bear elongated leaves up to 30 centimeters long. Emerging from reddish-purple bracts in summer, electric blue flowers pop against the dark foliage.
Native to the tropical Mata Atlântica forests of southeast Brazil, Blue Ginger thrives in warm humid environments with high rainfall. It can adapt to Australian climatic conditions in frost-free regions. With extra care providing winter protection, Blue Ginger can succeed even in cooler temperate areas.
While challenging to propagate, once established Blue Ginger is unfazed by most pests, diseases, or environmental stresses. These resilient plants have lightweight roots that prevent damage in high winds. Due to its low maintenance and stellar performance as a decorative foliage plant, Blue Ginger suits modern gardens.
Achieving Optimal Growing Conditions
To enable Blue Ginger plants to flourish, there are some key conditions to provide in their environment. As with most tropical foliage, Blue Ginger requires bright filtered sunlight, high humidity, and well-drained yet constantly moist soil to simulate its native habitat.
Sunlight & Temperature
- Position Blue Ginger in a spot receiving morning sun but afternoon shade. Avoid direct harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves.
- Daytime temps of 20-28°C suit Blue Ginger best. It tolerates light frost but sustained cold below 10°C causes decline. Add winter protection in cooler zones with mulch and/or frost cloth.
Soil & Water
- Rich organic soil with compost dug in provides ideal drainage and moisture retention. A pH between 6.1-6.5 is preferable but Blue Ginger adapts to most soils.
- Keep surrounding soil constantly damp, increasing irrigation in summer. Leach salts by monthly deep watering during active growth. Yellow leaves indicate overwatering.
Humidity
- Native to steamy jungle habitats, Blue Ginger thrives when relative humidity stays above 60%, particularly in growth phases. Mist or group plantings to boost moisture levels.
Following these recommendations allows Blue Ginger to flourish both indoors and outdoors in Australian gardens. Tropical locations like Queensland and northern NSW provide effortless growing, while southern regions need added winter protection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Blue Ginger
One of the trickier parts of succeeding with Blue Ginger is the initial planting stage. Follow this simple guide for establishing your Blue Ginger successfully the first time.
When to Plant
Early spring is the optimal time for planting Blue Ginger. This gives adequate time for root development before the summer heat. Container-grown specimens adapt fastest if planted anytime soil temperatures reach 16°C or above.
Where to Plant
Select a partially shaded location protected from harsh afternoon sun but receiving at least four hours of light daily. Ensure good drainage by choosing a gentle slope or building an elevated garden bed amended with compost.
Preparing Soils
Mix aged compost or well-rotted manure through the top 20-30cm of native soil where plants will grow. Blue Ginger thrives in organically rich, humus-heavy soils holding even moisture. Adjust pH to between 6.1-6.5.
Planting Procedure
- Dig 30cm wide x 20cm deep holes spaced 1.5 meters apart
- Place root ball partially in the hole, backfilling around the stem with native soil
- Water deeply until moisture penetrates 60cm down
- Apply 5-7cm of organic mulch around root zones
Ongoing Care
- Check soil moisture 1-2 times weekly, watering when surface dries
- Apply liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Prune out dead stems and falling foliage as needed
Following these straightforward planting guidelines, the new Blue Ginger was established rapidly. After plants adjust, lush blue-green growth explodes.
Watering Guidelines & Fertilizer Needs
Caring for established Blue Ginger chiefly involves proper watering and fertilizing to encourage vigorous expansion. Learning the key factors of each helps maintain spectacular flowering and foliage.
Watering Adequately
- Check soil moisture 2-3 times weekly by finger test
- Water deeply when the top 10cm becomes dry to touch
- During summer increase irrigation frequency
- Avoid waterlogging roots by amending drainage issues
Signs of Under/Over-Watering
- Drooping or wrinkled leaves show under-watering
- Yellow lower leaves indicate over-watering
- Adapt watering schedule according to symptoms
Fertilizer Recommendations
- In growth phases from spring through summer feed with organic liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks
- Reduce feeding frequency by half in cooler months
- Look for formulas higher in phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen
By correctly irrigating and fertilizing, Blue Ginger stays healthy with prolific flowering and vigorous leaf production. Adjust schedules to your local conditions for optimal outcomes.
Pruning & Maintenance of Blue Ginger
Minimal pruning and upkeep are needed to maintain Blue Ginger plants once established. Carry out light seasonal grooming along with preventative care against problems.
Pruning Requirements
- Remove dead or damaged stems back to soil level as required
- Cut off unsightly or awkward branches for better form
- Shape and contain size by cutting leggy growth halfway
- Prune off spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms
Preventative Care
- Pick off-scale insects manually and discard
- Remove fallen plant debris harboring snails/slugs
- Apply horticultural oil or neem oil to deter sap-sucking insects
- Check for signs of fungal issues, isolating affected plants
With good cultural practices, pests and diseases rarely impact mature Blue Ginger. By actively grooming your plants and promptly addressing any problems observed, you’ll maintain stellar performance for years of beauty.
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever” – John Keats
How timeless and apt is this quote from Keats on the entrancing appeal of Blue Ginger? These vivid architectural plants bring joy for years with care. Their graceful leaves and sapphire blooms never fail to delight.
Propagating Blue Ginger for Extra Plants
Once a specimen of Blue Ginger is established, propagating additional plants is beneficial for dramatic mass plantings. Having patience is key, as Blue Ginger propagates slower than many ornamentals.
Dividing Mature Plants
- Dig up entire clumps in early autumn
- Gently separate rooted sections using sharp blades
- Choose divisions with 3-5 vigorous stems each
- Replant divisions in prepared soil
Trying Stem Cuttings
- Collect 15cm cuttings in spring from healthy stems
- Trim just below leaf nodes and snip leaves by half
- Dust ends with rooting hormone powder/gel
- Stick into propagation mix under mist or glass
Seeding
- Sow fresh Blue Ginger seeds in winter
- Barely cover with fine propagation mix
- Maintain 70°F (21°C) soil temperatures
- Avoid disturbance until germination
Division yields the fastest and most reliable results when propagating Blue Ginger. For a challenge, attempt cuttings or rare seed propagation. Expand your plantings dramatically without much monetary expense.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While largely pest and disease-resistant, Blue Ginger may encounter occasional issues in the Australian garden. Familiarize yourself with potential problems and apply integrated solutions as required.
Pest Insects
- Monitor for sap-sucking insects like mealybug and scale
- Remove pests manually then spray neem, pyrethrin, or horticultural oils
Fungal Issues
- Water foliage in the mornings only to discourage fungal pathogens
- Apply preventative copper sprays before rainy periods
- Dispose of plants with advanced infections to avoid spreading
Environmental Stresses
- Adjust irrigation, nutrients, and humidity for signs of stress
- Protect from heavy frost during winter with coverings
- Provide afternoon shade if leaves appear burned
By properly siting plants, practicing cultural prevention, and promptly addressing issues through integrated pest management techniques, Blue Ginger thrives.
Why Grow Stunning Blue Ginger?
What are the overall benefits of incorporating Blue Ginger’s vibrant presence in the landscape? Let’s review the positives.
- Provides year-round exotic tropical structure
- Lush arching foliage adds Architectural drama
- Vibrant blue blooms shine against dark leaves
- Highly resilient once established
- Appreciates and enhances garden humidity
- Used ornamentally and for analgesic properties
Blue Ginger has unique floral and foliage unmatched by other ornamental plants. These versatile sub-tropical specimens are beloved by Australian gardeners for good reason!
Conclusion
For tropical drama in temperate and sub-tropical gardens, look no further than sapphire-flowered Blue Ginger. While particular about growing conditions when young, mature Blue Ginger plants explode with opulent arched foliage and electrifying blooms. Tolerant of light frosts and resilient against pests, they provide beauty and medicine with minimal care. By following the tips above even novice gardeners can succeed with Blue Ginger in Australian gardens.
Start Your Own Blue Ginger Garden
Now you have insider knowledge on selecting, planting, and maintaining dazzling Blue Ginger! Still have questions? Share your tips, tricks, and experience growing this Brazilian beauty in the comments below. And be sure to subscribe to receive helpful notifications whenever new posts become available for tropical plant lovers. Go forth and grow something glamorous.
