Alpinia luteocarpa Red Rubin - Red Bamboo Ginger
- Mature size: 1-2m tall x 1-1.5m wide
- Recommended spacing: 1m apart
- Ideal growing conditions: Part shade - Bright, filtered light.
- Growth rate: Moderate.
Uses
Pot/container plant, patio/verandah plant, indoor/house plant, small gardens, tropical garden, understory planting, shaded courtyard, garden filler, mass plantings, informal short privacy screen.
Noteworthy
Hardy evergreen, low maintenance, attractive foliage, architectural form, seasonal colour interest.
Tolerant
Pruning, humidity, coastal conditions, heat once established, adaptable to well‑drained soil, and tolerant of dry periods though it prefers moisture. Not frost tolerant - best in warm climates and protected from cold.
Colour/Growth form
Dense clumping shrub with slender dark green foliage and striking deep red to burgundy undersides. Produces small clusters of white to creamy-pink flowers in the warmer months.
What is Alpinia Red Rubin?
Alpinia luteocarpa ‘Red Rubin’, commonly known as Red Bamboo Ginger, is a tropical ornamental ginger valued for its dramatic foliage contrast and structured foliage habit. It forms a dense, clumping plant with deep green leaves that showcase striking red undersides, making it a bold foliage feature in shaded beds or container plantings.
How to care for Alpinia Red Rubin
Plant in a partly shaded to filtered light position in rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the establishment period to encourage strong root development and maintain consistent moisture, particularly during hot or dry spells. Apply a slow-release fertiliser during the warmer months and prune away old or spent stems at the base to maintain a neat appearance and encourage fresh, vibrant growth.
