Costus Species, French Kiss, Indian Head Ginger, Spiked Spiralflag Ginger

Costusspicatus

Genus
Costus (KOS-tus)
Species
spicatus (spi-KAH-tus)
Synonym
Costus cylindricus
Costus micranthus
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Shiny/Glossy
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Red-Orange
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Jacksonville, Florida

Riverview, Florida

Rockledge, Florida

Trenton, Florida

Yulee, Florida

Zephyrhills, Florida

Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
0
neutral
0
negative
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J
Brewers, KY (Zone 6b) | September 2002 | positive

This costus blooms for most of the summer. The flowers make very good cut flowers.

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