Varieties of Variegated Zingiber

Naming and Classification

• Despite some incongruity in naming various types of zingiber, in fact only one type of Zingiber has variegated leaves. Zingiber zerumbet -- the species commonly known as the pine cone lily or pine cone ginger -- has variegated green and cream-colored leaves. The Darceyi zingiber is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a second variegated species. However, 'Darceyi' is in fact a cultivar of Zingiber zerumbet. This particular cultivar, also known as Zingiber d'Arceyi, is recognizable by its shiny, variegated leaves. Besides the common names pine cone lily and pine cone ginger, Zingiber zerumbet in general may be referred to as shampoo ginger because of the creamy liquid that fills its cones.

Growing Conditions

• You can only grow variegated Zingiber in warm, tropical or semi-tropical locations. In the United States, its growth is limited to USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, which cover parts of California, southwestern Arizona, southern Texas and Louisiana and parts of Florida. If you live in a place where Zingiber can grow, plant it in moderate to slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soil. The plant thrives in a range of soil types, from loamy to sandy to clay, provided it's occasionally irrigated. However, the plant cannot tolerate high salt levels, so planting along beaches can be problematic.

Appearance and Growth

• If you select a cultivar of Zingiber zerumbet, your plant will display variegated green and white leaves. Young leaves may appear purple before they fully unfurl. Depending on where it's placed, the plant may be deciduous or evergreen. Among the cultivars of Zingiber zerumbet, the 'Darcey' is notable for its small size; the dwarf variety reaches a height of about 4 feet, compared with about 7 feet among larger cultivars. The 'Dwarf Waimanalo Pinstripeshell' cultivar is notable for the thin "pinstriped" appearance of its leaves.

Uses

• For the average gardener, zingiber is most useful for adding some visual interest to the landscape's greenery. In addition to its dramatically variegated leaves, Zingiber zerumbet has large bracts, similar to pine cones in appearance, that turn bright red for several weeks before producing small yellow flowers. Besides its use as an ornamental planting, historically Zingiber zerumbet has served medical and practical applications. As the name "Shampoo ginger" suggests, the fluids from the plant's cones have been used as shampoo in some Asian cultures. The root, when ground and mixed with water, has served to relieve pain and soothe stomach aches. A 2011 review of the plant's pharmacological properties, published in the journal "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," identified anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial properties in the plant's roots.