Blue Ginger

Contrary to some descriptions about this plant, this is not that 'rare' in the gardens of the Illawarra. This striking plant can be found in the Wollongong City Mall and up and down the Illawarra, if you know where to look. It's blue flowers provide a good display in Summer. The Botanical Name is Dichorisandra Thyrsilora. It is a native of tropical America, but will grow well in the Illawarra if kept out of frost-prone areas.

This grows well in the Illawarra, particularly in part-shade and protected areas. Use as a foliar background combined with bromeliads to give a spectacular display in awkward shady positions. Plant in front of taller ornamental gingers or canna lilies to give a rich tropical look to where a plantscreen is required in a shady area.

Growing:

It prefers rich, moist well drained soils and filtered light. A perennial it grows 1.2m. Leaves are glossy, dark, and flowers are small, star shaped and blueish violet, occurring in tall terminal spikes. To propagate, take tip cuttings, 8cm long. Cut back once they have flowered and feed with a good organic fertiliser (such as old cow or sheep manure available from good nurseries and hardware stores).

This can be used as a cut flower but will require a tall vase to give you the right effect. Combine with variegated foliage and vibrant colours. It is a true blue that really provides a long-lasting focal point to any display.

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