Red Back Ginger
Alpinia caerulea
Alpinia caerulea, the red-back ginger, is an understory herb native to the rainforests of eastern Australia. It features large glossy green leaves with a distinctive reddish-purple underside. It produces white flowers followed by bright blue, globular berries that contain an edible tangy, ginger-scented pulp.
Native Origin & Climate
Warm-temperate and tropical rainforest understories of Queensland and New South Wales.
Expert Pruning Tip
Cut old, fruited stems down to ground level to tidy up the plant and encourage fresh new shoots from the rhizome.
Domestic Setting
Botanical Art Series
Botanical Blueprint
Localized Australian Care Taxonomy
Low to moderate. Easy to grow in shady, moist spots in the garden or inside.
Part shade to deep shade. Inside, place in a medium to bright filtered light spot.
Moderate. Enjoys regular watering, but can tolerate short dry spells once established.
Rich, moist organic soil with good drainage. Mulch heavily in outdoor gardens.
Prefers humid environments. Moderately frost-sensitive; protect from harsh frosts.
Easily propagated by dividing the underground rhizome clumps.
Lush, tropical, and native. Tall arching stems with glossy leaves that show flashes of deep red on the reverse.
Under a shaded tree canopy in a garden bed, or a large pot on a sheltered deck.
Versatile
Safe:Non-toxic to pets and humans. The berries contain an edible pulp historically eaten by Indigenous Australians.
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