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Peacock Ginger from Mortellaros
Ginger, Peacock
Kaempferia pulchra
Peacock Ginger is a low-growing, shade-loving perennial prized for its broad, patterned foliage that resembles the eyes of a peacock’s feather, and for its small but striking lavender to pink flowers that bloom intermittently from late spring into early fall. Though native to Southeast Asia, it performs well in humid, subtropical gardens, including shaded areas of Central and East Texas. It is not a Texas native, but it is well-suited to use as a groundcover in woodland gardens, beneath trees, or along shaded borders.
This plant thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While it can handle neutral to slightly acidic soil, it can tolerate light alkaline soils. Peacock Ginger is deer-resistant and generally free of pest problems. Though the flowers are subtle, the ornamental foliage is its main appeal and remains attractive throughout the warm season. Plants grow 12–18 inches tall and spread slowly through underground rhizomes to form dense mats. When spacing for coverage, plant 12–15 inches apart.
Peacock Ginger is cold hardy to USDA Zone 8, meaning it will likely die back to the ground in a freeze but regrow in spring from underground rhizomes. In colder areas, a thick mulch layer over winter can help protect the roots. In Zone 7 and colder, it is often treated as a container plant or annual.
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Shade-Tolerant |
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Tropical groundcover |
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Seasonal lavender blooms |
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Height:12-18 in
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Spread:12-18 in
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Spacing:12-15 in
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| GIN-PEA-4FL |
#4FL GINGER, PEACOCK |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Part Shade to Full Shade |
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Full Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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