Costus woodsonii aka Red Cane

Costus woodsonii has two common names: scarlet spiral-ginger and red button ginger. It belongs to the Costaceae family. This herb has soft stems and lives for many years. Its native range runs from Nicaragua south to Colombia. It grows in damp forests and scrub along Caribbean coasts. The climate there is wet and tropical. It forms lasting clumps from rhizomes, which are stems below ground.

Garden plants reach 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres] tall and wide. Larger clumps can reach 6 feet [1.8 metres] each way. Garden plants tend to stay shorter than wild plants. The thick, fleshy stems stand straight or lean a little. Smooth, glossy leaves grow in a spiral around each stem. Some leaves are oval; others are broadest near the tip. Most measure 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] long. A few reach about 0.83 feet [0.25 metres].

Flower heads grow at the ends of the stems. They form tubes or cones with bright red bracts. These are leaf-like parts, with orange flowers growing among them. Missouri Botanical Garden lists yellow flowers too. Chicago Botanic Garden reports blooms from November through April. Its plants can bloom at just 2.5 feet [0.76 metres] tall. The flowers draw hummingbirds. Chicago also records birds and butterflies. Use cut stems in fresh flower displays.

Grow this ginger in part shade for best results. Give it rich soil with plenty of organic matter. The soil must drain well but stay evenly moist, not waterlogged. The plant also copes with full sun, sandy ground, and salt spray. Missouri Botanical Garden gives hardiness zones of 9b–11. Chicago Botanic Garden lists zones 10–12. Frost harms the stems and leaves. The rhizomes can send up new growth, though. Mulch helps shield plants where frost may occur.

Use clumps as accents or grow groups in borders. They also suit beds beneath trees and can spread without help. In cold regions, grow them in large pots outdoors during frost-free months. Bring pots inside for winter flowers. Split clumps or sow seed to grow more plants. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease issues. Poor drainage and too much moisture can rot the rhizomes. Chicago warns of spider mites in dry rooms in winter. It advises misting from time to time in those indoor conditions.