Beehive ginger (Zingiber spectablis) plants are a species of ornamental ginger cultivated primarily for their distinctive appearance. Colorful and exotic in appearance, these stunning flowers instantly add a dash of the tropics to any room or garden, even in urban areas. Beehive gingers grow well in pots and should be cultivated indoors, at least when cold weather arrives.
These plants can grow to more than 6 feet in height, with leaves up to a foot long. No matter where you place them, they will be noticed. The plants get their common name from the fact that the bracts, which are modified leaves, grow in the shape of a beehive. The beehive, which slowly turns from yellowish-green to brilliant red, sits atop a long, slender stalk. The tiny white flowers, which bloom between the bracts, are rather insignificant in appearance. Beehive gingers are also prized as cut flowers because the colorful bracts last a long time after being cut.
Native to Southeast Asia, beehive gingers, like all ginger plants, thrive in warm, humid climates. They do not tolerate frost or cold weather and are only hardy to Sunset's Climate Zone 9. If the weather and soil are warm enough, these tough plants will thrive outdoors and may even crowd out other plants if not contained. For that reason, and because they do not tolerate frost, many home gardeners choose to cultivate beehive ginger plants indoors.
Give beehive gingers plenty of space -- and a large container, if you are growing them in pots. They grow best in indirect sunlight, although the shade of red is brighter with direct sun. Too much hot sun can scorch the leaves. Consistently moist soil is best. The plants have a strong scent, so if you enjoy the scent, locate them by a door or window. If you don't like the odor of ginger, place the flowers where you can see -- but not smell -- them. They bloom in most regions from July through November.
Insect pests that can infest beehive ginger plants include ants and common houseplant pests such as scale, aphids and mealybugs. Ants are attracted by the honeydew secreted by aphids and mealybugs. If you see ants around your plants, it's probable that you have other insect pest problems as well. Look for scale along the stem and leaf petioles of your plants. Aphids and mealybugs will likely hid under the leaves and in the bracts. Spray the plant thoroughly with an insecticide as soon as you spot the insects. You may have to reapply insecticide as often as every two weeks. If your beehive ginger is indoors, move it outdoors before you spray it.
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