Blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora)

Overview

Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, widely known as Blue ginger, is a stunning tropical evergreen perennial prized for its resemblance to true gingers, though botanically belonging to the Commelinaceae family. This plant commands attention in the landscape with its upright, cane-like stems reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet, bearing glossy, deep green lance-shaped leaves. Gardeners value this species primarily for its spectacular display of violet-blue flowers clustered in large terminal inflorescences.

While its common name suggests a tropical ginger, the beauty of Dichorisandra thyrsiflora lies in its unique foliage and the vibrant, long-lasting blooms it offers during its season. It thrives in warm, humid environments, making it a perfect specimen for sheltered, humid gardens or as an impressive container planting indoors.

Providing consistent moisture and protection from harsh elements allows this herbaceous perennial to form dense colonies via spreading rhizomes, creating a lush, architectural presence. The striking color contrast between the deep green leaves and the vibrant blue flowers makes the Blue ginger a memorable focal point in subtropical settings.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Commelinaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Southeastern Brazil
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-6 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Violet blue
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal success, plant Dichorisandra thyrsiflora in protected locations where it receives part shade, avoiding intense afternoon sun which can scorch the foliage. This plant requires moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is winter hardy only to USDA Zones 10-12, necessitating frost protection or greenhouse cultivation elsewhere.

Maintain medium water needs by keeping the soil consistently moist throughout the active growing season, though greenhouse growers should allow soils to dry slightly during winter dormancy. Due to its tropical nature, Blue ginger appreciates high humidity; ensure good air circulation, especially in enclosed spaces, to prevent fungal issues.

Site your Dichorisandra thyrsiflora away from strong winds, as the tall, fleshy stems are susceptible to damage. Post-bloom, gardeners can prune the stems back as part of routine maintenance. Propagation is straightforward via division, stem cuttings, or seed to expand your collection of this visually appealing plant.

Landscape Uses

The spectacular blue flowers of the Blue ginger lend themselves well to dramatic mass plantings, blending beautifully into subtropical borders or as commanding specimen accents. Their height provides excellent vertical interest, contrasting nicely with lower-growing, moisture-loving companions.

Dichorisandra thyrsiflora excels when massed where its architectural form provides year-round tropical flair in suitable climates. Furthermore, it adapts excellently to containers, allowing gardeners in cooler regions to enjoy its beauty indoors as a houseplant under bright light conditions. Remember to place it in a sheltered spot to protect those impressive cane-like stems from wind damage.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, commonly called blue ginger, is an upright, clump-forming, tropical evergreen perennial that typically grows to 3-6’ (less frequently to 8’) tall on upright, fleshy, cane-like stems. Notwithstanding its common name of blue ginger, this plant is in fact a member of the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae) and not the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It reportedly resembles a blue-flowered ginger, hence the somewhat confusing common name. Blue ginger is native to southeastern Brazil. It is noted for producing showy violet blue flowers (to 3/4”) in large terminal inflorescences (to 8” long) of stalked cymes.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

The primary concern when growing Dichorisandra thyrsiflora is root rot, which occurs if the plant is situated in overly moist or waterlogged soils. To prevent this, ensure excellent drainage, especially during winter dormancy or for container specimens. Consistent, thorough watering during the growing season should be balanced with slightly drier conditions when growth slows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Dichorisandra thyrsiflora suitable for?

Dichorisandra thyrsiflora is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 through 12.

How large does Blue ginger grow?

This species typically reaches a height between 3 and 6 feet, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet.

What sun exposure does Blue ginger need?

Dichorisandra thyrsiflora prefers part shade and requires protection from harsh, hot afternoon sun exposure.

When does Blue ginger bloom?

Blue ginger is a seasonal bloomer, typically displaying its violet blue flowers between June and October, though it can sometimes bloom year-round.

Conclusion

For gardeners in warm, humid locales, the tropical elegance and striking violet-blue blooms of Dichorisandra thyrsiflora make it an exceptionally rewarding choice. Its upright form and glossy foliage offer structure, whether planted in masses or grown as an impressive container specimen. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 10-12, or plan for greenhouse care to successfully cultivate this visually stunning Blue ginger.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Dichorisandra thyrsiflora is relatively simple, offering several avenues for increasing your stock. The most common and successful method utilized by home gardeners is division of the spreading rhizomes, typically done early in the growing season. This method quickly yields new, established clumps ready for planting.

Stem cuttings provide another excellent route for multiplying your Blue ginger. Select healthy, non-flowering stems, cut sections with a few nodes, and place them in moist rooting medium or water until roots develop. This is a popular technique for greenhouse growers looking to rapidly increase inventory.

While slower, propagation from seed is also possible for Dichorisandra thyrsiflora. Seeds are ready when the capsule fruit matures and should be collected carefully. Ensure seeds are sown in warm, humid conditions to achieve adequate germination rates for this tropical perennial.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Managing the humidity and temperature is key to success with Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, especially when transitioning seasons. Spring is the ideal time for dividing rhizomes or initiating stem cuttings to take advantage of peak growth periods. Ensure adequate moisture is supplied but avoid saturation as the plant begins active growth.

During the active summer months, maintain consistent watering to support the lush foliage and flower production of your Blue ginger. If grown in a greenhouse, temperatures between 60–70°F are optimal, paired with high humidity. In autumn, as blooms begin to fade, plants can be lightly cut back to tidy the appearance.

Winter care focuses heavily on protection if grown outdoors in Zone 10, or reducing water if cultivated indoors or in controlled environments. For houseplants, ensure bright indoor light is provided, and reduce watering frequency significantly to prevent dormancy-related issues on established plants.