Origin:  Native to Malaysia
Family:  Zingiberaceae
Light:  Full sun/sun-part shade
Spacing:  4-6'
Height:  2-3''
Blooms:  Showy, oval-shaped, chocolate-brown bracts with small, white flowers on mature bracts, borne on 2' long stem arising from ground, late Summer
Foliage:  Green, smooth, pointed
Soil:  Well-drained, acidic
Water:  Regular, no excessive watering
Uses:  Ornamental, containers, mass plant, cut flowers, tropical garden
Propagation:  Seeds, rhizome divisions (Plant in Fall)

Comments:  Zingiber spectabile or Chocolate Beehive Ginger or Nodding Gingerwort is a tropical perennial with a fast, rhizomatous growth habit.  It is a native of Malaysia.  In late Summer, Zingiber spectabile produces unique oval-shaped, chocolate-brown bracts with small white flowers, appearing on mature bracts; the bracts appear 2 1/2' from the ground.  This is later followed by seeds.  Chocolate Beehive Ginger inflorescence makes ispectacular cut flowers.  It has evergreen, smooth foliage.  Nodding Gingerwort is easily propagated from seeds or rhizome divisions.  It performs best in well-drained, moist acidic soil in a sunny to part shade environment.  Mass plant for an exquisite tropical display.   Zingiber spectabile can also be cultivated in a large container.  It is very showy and attracts a lot of attention.  Nodding Gingerwort is a welcoming addition to Jenny's Garden. 

USDA Zones:   8-11

Image of Zingiber spectabile or Chocolate Beehive Ginger or Nodding Gingerwort