The Meaning of the Ginger Flower

Ginger plants get used in a variety of ways: for cut flower decorations and in Hawaiian lies. Those who live in humid climates choose to grow ginger because the plant produces bright, vivid blossoms. Ginger flowers bloom in blue, red, white, pink and yellow.

Considerations

The white flowers found on certain species of the ginger plant represent true love and affairs of the heart. In Hawaii, intrinsically woven leis are created from this color. These type of leis get completed in the early evening so they are ready for wear that same night.

Symbols

Red ginger flowers symbolize fiery passion. The general theme running through each species of the plant: strength. Ginger can represent limitless prosperity and diversity in the personality. Sometimes, ginger flowers are given as a substitution for roses.

History

Ginger, along with black pepper, were considered highly valuable trade commodities in 13th and 14th century England. One pound of ginger traded for the same amount as a sheep. The country of India brought ginger to the Romans as far back as 2,000 years ago. The Romans used the plant for its medicinal value.

Grow Flowering Ginger

Ginger plants fall into two main categories: common ginger (Zingiber officinale) -- the type used in cooking -- and flowering ginger, the kind used for ornamental purposes. Although flowering ginger plants, such as the popular red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) and the variegated crepe ginger (Costus speciosus “Variegated”), need moist soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 and moderate watering to satisfy their thirst, they grow well in both poor- and well-draining soil. When planting ginger in the landscape, avoid planting it near natural areas to avoid an invasion. Insert a wood skewer or your finger in the soil or growing medium and check how far the water reaches on the skewer or how wet it feels to gauge the moisture content. Heavy rainfall usually satisfies the plants' watering requirements. If your area receives moderate rainfall or less, or when experiencing drought conditions, irrigate the soil or medium the ginger grows in with 1 to 2 gallons of water per square foot poured from a watering can with a fine rose. Harvest ginger flowers after the bracts – the cone-shaped growths that have small, 1/4-inch flowers emerging from them – have opened two-thirds to three-fourths of the way by cutting the spikes at ground level with garden shears.