Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, commonly known as Blue Ginger, is an evergreen perennial herb that is not a true ginger but shares a similar appearance. It is native to the understory of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, a biodiversity hotspot with a range of ecosystems from coastal restingas to high-altitude grasslands. This plant typically reaches a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Blue Ginger has a striking appearance with its upright form, handsome spotted stems, and large, glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are held horizontally. From late summer to fall, it produces terminal clusters of vivid blue to purple flowers, which are highly ornamental and add a tropical flair to the garden.

Blue Ginger is valued for its lush foliage and showy flowers, making it a popular choice for shaded tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used in border plantings, as an accent plant, or in containers. It thrives in part shade, requiring protection from intense afternoon sun. Blue Ginger prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage and benefits from high humidity. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs in dry conditions. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities as a garden plant.CC BY-SA 4.0