Cardamom Leaf Ginger PLANT – Untreated & Heirloom – Shellflower – Dwarf Cardamom – Alpinia Nutans – Heirloom Evergreen Perennial

Cardamom Leaf Ginger is a hardy evergreen perennial from the ginger family. It forms good-sized clumps relatively quickly, and it grows up to 1m in height. The evergreen foliage is very attractive and can give a tropical feel. It can be used for a variety of purposes, and like all of the Alpinias family, it has many health benefits and is widely used in traditional medicine. When crushed, the leaves have a very distinct cardamom fragrance. The leaves can be used in desserts, and salads, to flavour steamed rice, or to wrap fish. The highly aromatic leaves can be used in tea, to make tinctures, or infused oils.

Alipnia nutans is an easy-to-grow plant that loves semi-shade and little to moderate watering. Alpinia nutans is drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. It can be grown as a 1m tall screen. The better the soil, the quicker and better it grows. All my plants grow happily in at least slightly raised garden beds. Even if it is just 15-20cm above the ground level, it makes a huge difference! This is not the plant that produces cardamom pods.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers partial and full shade.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils but benefits from organic matter.
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during dry spells.
• Climate: Grows well in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. In cooler southern areas, grow in pots and move indoors during winter.
• Frost Sensitivity: Protect from frost; ideal for frost-free regions.
• Maintenance: No special requirements.

Steps after receiving the plant:

1. • Initial Care: Give the plant a good drink of water upon arrival and place it in a half-shade position, sheltered from strong winds.
   • Acclimatization: Leave it in the original pot for a few days to recover from the journey before transplanting.
   • Re-potting or Planting: Re-pot or plant into the ground when roots start to emerge from the drainage holes. Use well-draining soil for optimal growth.
   • Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting. Afterward, water as needed, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
   • Drainage: Avoid waterlogging by choosing a well-drained position. Slightly raised garden beds are ideal for healthy root development.
   • Soil Quality: Enrich the soil with organic matter or compost for faster and healthier growth.
   • Container Growing: Can be grown in pots or grow bags.

Additional notes:

• The price is for one young plant supplied in a small pot, naturally and organically grown with lots of love in my permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven, QLD Australia. The main listing image shows the mother plant. Sending within Australia only, not to NORFOLK ISLAND, NT, SA, TAS, or WA. Pick up by appointment only.
• The image of the potted plants is just an example.
• Most of our nursery plants grow in semi-shade. Introducing them to the sun slowly before replanting them to their permanent position will promote healthy growth.
• Do your research before trying any new foods. Please also note our disclaimer in the footer of this page