Costus, also known as Gingerland Costus, is a captivating plant with stunning spiral-shaped inflorescences in vibrant shades of red and orange, adding a touch of exotic beauty to your garden. Easy to care for and hardy, it's an excellent choice for your Auckland garden.
Planting Calendar
The best time to plant Costus is during the warmer months, typically in late spring to early summer, when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
Prepare
The ‘Fiery Costus’ or ‘Spiral Flag’ plant is a tropical evergreen growing to around 60cm, with attractive spiralling stems and smooth, dark green leaves. In India it is known as the ‘Insulin Plant’ and used in the treatment of diabetes. In the warm months they produce beautiful orange flowers on cone-like heads at the tips of the branches. Ideal for use in tropical gardens and can also be grown in pots.
Position
Plant in partial shade, with some shelter from cold winds and frosts.
Soil
When planted into the ground Costus prefers a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Expert Tip
Avoid wetting flowers when watering as they are easily damaged and can turn to mush.