Shampoo Ginger Plant - Arriving soon

Shampoo Ginger Plant - Arriving soon
US$28.00

The Shampoo Ginger Lily ( Zingiber zerumbet) is a fascinating plant with a unique feature: its flower heads produce a fragrant liquid that can be used as a natural shampoo and conditioner. Here's a description and some tips on planting and growing it:

Description:

  • Appearance: Shampoo ginger is a tropical perennial that grows in clumps up to 7 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has lush, green, lance-shaped leaves similar to other gingers. Its most distinctive feature is its flower head, which resembles a pine cone. These "cones" start green and then turn a vibrant red in the fall.
  • "Shampoo": When you squeeze the mature red cones, they release a clear, fragrant, and slightly viscous liquid. This liquid has been traditionally used as a hair cleanser and conditioner, leaving hair soft and shiny.
  • Other Names: It's also known as pine cone ginger, pine cone lily, awapuhi kuahiwi (in Hawaii), and bitter ginger.
  • Origin: Native to tropical Asia, it was brought to Hawaii by Polynesian settlers.

Planting:

  • Climate: Shampoo ginger thrives in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11). In colder regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors for the winter.
  • Sunlight: It prefers partial shade to partial sun. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
  • Soil: Plant in moist, fertile, well-draining soil.
  • Propagation: It's typically propagated by dividing the rhizomes (underground stems). You can also start it from cuttings.
  • When to Plant: You can plant it year-round in suitable climates.

Growing:

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Water more frequently in hot weather.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
  • Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged foliage. You can also cut back the plant after flowering to encourage new growth.
  • Pests and Diseases: Shampoo ginger is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, mites can occasionally be a problem.
  • Harvesting the "Shampoo": The cones are ready to harvest when they turn red. Simply squeeze them over a container to collect the liquid.