Red Ginger

Hawaii Ginger Flower Guide

Red Ginger

Red ginger looks like one bold red flower, but the showy red parts are bracts. The true flowers are small and white, tucked near the top of this humid-loving tropical plant.

Red Ginger Overview

Red ginger is a tropical flower often noticed for its bold red bracts. These bright red parts look like the bloom, but the true flowers are actually small and white, appearing near the top of the bracts.

This flower is sometimes called Pink Cone Ginger or Ostrich Plume. It is native to Malaysia and has become a familiar sight in Hawaii gardens, shaded landscape areas and tropical plant collections.

Bracts, Flowers and Growing Needs

Red ginger grows from thick underground stems. Its flowers have a subtle fragrance, and the plant does best with partial shade, steady moisture and humid conditions.

Because it likes warmth and moisture, red ginger fits well in protected garden areas where the soil stays watered. It can also make a good houseplant when given bright filtered light and enough humidity.

Red ginger stands out for its strong color, upright shape and tropical texture. Related Hawaii ginger and tropical flower pages include blue ginger, ginger, heliconia and Bird of Paradise.