Peacock Ginger is a genus of flowering plants in the ginger family that is native to tropical Asia. The genus includes herbaceous perennials as well as annual rhizomatous species. The genus contains about 63 species. Three species in particular ( K. galanga , K. rotunda , and K. angustifolia ) are noted for their essential oils and medicinal properties. The genus is named after the naturalist Engelbert Kaempfer who lived in Japan and east Asia in the late 1600s and documented many of the plants there. Peacock Ginger is a tropical or sub-tropical plant, but can be grown in a container indoors. The pot should contain an organic mix and you should water thoroughly when the soil gets a little on the dry side. Keep dry in winter when the plant is dormant. In nature, these plants can be found on the forest floor in low light. Peacock ginger spreads by means of rhizomes and the roots often contain small tubers. New plants can be propagated by division of the root ball. The leaves are often variegated and very attractive. Single flowers, usually white or violet, rise from the stems. Use in the shade or edible garden or as a ground cover. If grown indoors as a houseplant, they should be sited away from bright sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Coastal
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Mounding
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Purple/Lavender; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Deltoid; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Large leaves are variegated in some species or purple in others.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Radial
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Blossoms are typically white or violet. In some species, flowers are terminal on pseudo-stems; in other species, they appear on separate shoots arising from rhizomes.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Fleshy, ovoid, three-valved capsules
Stem detail
Fleshy underground rhizomes
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
India, Phillipines, Cambodia, Southern China, Tiawan.
Distribution
Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic.
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Uses (ethnobotany)
Several species are used as flavoring agents, spices and for herbal treatments.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Edible Garden; Shade Garden
Design feature
Accent; Small groups; Specimen
Garden tags
#non-toxic for cats #non-toxic for horses #non-toxic for dogs #herbaceous perennial #rhizomatous #low light #houseplant #edible garden #coastal #tropical herbaceous perennial #ground cover