Costus Speciosus
Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Koenig) C.Specht (syn. Costus speciosus)
Costus speciosus, the Crepe Ginger, is a dramatic tropical perennial from Southeast Asia with spiral cane-like stems, spirally arranged leaves, and stunning white flowers with crinkled crepe-paper-like petals emerging from deep red pinecone-shaped bracts. It symbolizes prosperity, healing, and spiritual purity.
Costaceae (Crepe Ginger family)
Rainy season and summer; typically July through October; flowering starts after onset of the rainy season
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: berry clusters (elderberry)s and mallows also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Crepe Ginger has been woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Asia for thousands of years. In Ayurveda it is one of the most important medicinal herbs, known as Kemuka or Kebuka, and used to treat a wide range of conditions from fever to respiratory disease. Across Asian traditions, the plant is a symbol of abundance and good fortune; its lush, spiraling growth habit suggesting vitality and creative energy in continuous movement. In Buddhist traditions it carries associations with meditation and purity. In ancient Chinese culture it was seen as a sign of prosperity. The plant's dramatic white flowers emerging like a flame from deep red bracts give it a visual power that has earned it reverence in many of the tropical cultures where it grows.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun; best flowering in bright indirect light or dappled shade; tolerates deep shade though with fewer flowers
Water
High moisture; prefers consistently moist soil; thrives in low-lying wet areas; drought tolerant when dormant in winter
Soil
Rich, Moist, Well-drained, Slightly acidic to neutral, Humus-rich
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in rich, moist soil with some afternoon shade in hot climates
Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding
In USDA zones below 9, grow in containers and overwinter indoors above 50 degrees F (10 degrees C)
Cut old canes to the ground after flowering to encourage fresh new growth from the rhizome
Propagate easily by laying 8-inch stem sections flat on the soil in warm months, or by dividing rhizomes
Note that the plant can become invasive outside its native range in tropical regions including Hawaii, Fiji, and some Pacific Islands; check local regulations before planting
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Bold tropical accent plant for beds, borders, and garden edges
- Container plant for patios and large indoor spaces
- Poolside and water garden plantings in tropical gardens
- Cut flower; the showy bracts have a long vase life
- Screen and mass planting for privacy in frost-free gardens
- Variegated cultivars used as striking indoor foliage plants
Traditional Uses
- Rhizome extensively used in Ayurveda for fever, rash, asthma, bronchitis, and intestinal worms
- Mentioned in the Kama Sutra as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations
- Used in Mizo traditional medicine for kidney and urinary problems
- Traditional Malay medicine: used when evil spirits were believed to possess a body, and for high fever, smallpox, and as a purgative
- Rich source of diosgenin, a compound used in the commercial production of steroids including progesterone
- Research confirms anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties
- Flowers, leaves, shoots, and rhizomes are edible in parts of the plant's native range
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Costus Speciosus
Why is Costus speciosus called Crepe Ginger?
Costus speciosus is called Crepe Ginger because its large white flowers have thin, crinkled petals that closely resemble crinkled crepe paper in both texture and appearance. Its spirally arranged leaves and twisting stems also give it the alternative name Spiral Ginger.
What are the medicinal uses of Costus speciosus?
Costus speciosus has an extensive history in Ayurveda and Asian traditional medicine, where its rhizome is used to treat fever, asthma, bronchitis, intestinal worms, and skin diseases. Modern research has confirmed its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It is also a significant source of diosgenin used in the industrial production of steroid medications.
Is Costus speciosus invasive?
Outside its native range in South and Southeast Asia, Costus speciosus has become invasive in several tropical island ecosystems including Hawaii, Fiji, and some Pacific Islands. It spreads readily in moist, low-lying areas and can crowd out native vegetation. Always check local regulations before planting it in tropical regions outside its native range.
What does Crepe Ginger symbolize?
Crepe Ginger symbolizes prosperity, healing, and spiritual purity. Across Asian cultures it has long been associated with abundance and good fortune, and its deep roots in Ayurvedic healing traditions make it a potent emblem of the restorative power of nature.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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