{"product_id":"alpinia-zerumbet-red-back-red-back-ginger","title":"Alpinia zerumbet 'Red Back' (Red Back Ginger)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"plant-description\" style=\"line-height: 1.7; font-size: 16px; color: #2e3a2e;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"mm7uzn\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"47\"\u003eAlpinia zerumbet 'Red Back' (Red Back Ginger)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"409\"\u003eAlpinia zerumbet 'Red Back', commonly known as Red Back Ginger, is a striking tropical foliage plant prized for its lush green leaves with distinctive burgundy-red undersides. This colourful form of Shell Ginger creates year-round interest through its dramatic foliage contrast, making it a popular choice for tropical gardens, screening, and feature planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"690\"\u003eThe broad, arching leaves display rich green upper surfaces while revealing vibrant red to burgundy colouring beneath, particularly when moved by the wind. This unique characteristic adds depth, movement, and visual interest to the landscape, creating a dramatic tropical effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"692\" data-end=\"870\"\u003eWith its upright clumping habit and bold foliage, Red Back Ginger is widely used in residential gardens, commercial landscapes, resort plantings, and large decorative containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"875\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ma7m6t\" data-start=\"877\" data-end=\"892\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"932\"\u003eDistinctive red-purple leaf undersides\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"956\"\u003eLarge tropical foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"995\"\u003eExcellent screening and feature plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1024\"\u003eDense clumping growth habit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1026\" data-end=\"1064\"\u003eProvides year-round colour and texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1111\"\u003eSuitable for tropical and subtropical gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1162\"\u003eIdeal for large containers and landscape planting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1196\"\u003eLow-maintenance once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1198\" data-end=\"1201\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18918vg\" data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1227\"\u003eGrowth Habit and Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003eRed Back Ginger grows as a vigorous clumping perennial, producing upright cane-like stems from underground rhizomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1477\"\u003eMature plants typically reach between 1.5 and 3 metres in height and 1 to 2 metres in width, forming dense, lush clumps over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1560\"\u003eGrowth is moderate to fast in warm climates with adequate moisture and nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003eIts upright habit makes it particularly useful for privacy screening, boundary planting, and creating tropical backdrops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"1688\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1evwddo\" data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1710\"\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"73xha0\" data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1721\"\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1776\"\u003ePerforms best in part shade to bright filtered light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1854\"\u003eCan tolerate full sun in cooler climates if provided with adequate moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1957\"\u003ePartial shade often produces the best foliage quality and strongest red colouring beneath the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"mebt03\" data-start=\"1959\" data-end=\"1971\"\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"2005\"\u003ePrefers consistently moist soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2071\"\u003eWater regularly during establishment and throughout dry periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2073\" data-end=\"2166\"\u003eEstablished plants tolerate short periods of dryness but perform best with reliable moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"ynopa7\" data-start=\"2168\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2224\"\u003eThrives in rich, fertile, well-draining soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2303\"\u003eBenefits from compost and organic matter incorporated into the planting area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"3imbco\" data-start=\"2305\" data-end=\"2333\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2380\"\u003eThrives in tropical and subtropical climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2434\"\u003ePerforms best in temperatures between 18°C and 35°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2490\"\u003eAppreciates high humidity and warm growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2538\"\u003eProtect from frost and prolonged cold weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2540\" data-end=\"2543\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"s27ty0\" data-start=\"2545\" data-end=\"2559\"\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2606\"\u003eRemove damaged or ageing foliage as required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2608\" data-end=\"2698\"\u003eCut older stems back to the base to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2757\"\u003eApply a slow-release fertiliser during spring and summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2842\"\u003eDivide mature clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth and propagate new plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2901\"\u003eMulching helps conserve moisture and improve soil health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1lt9dvm\" data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2924\"\u003eCommon Issues\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"850uam\" data-start=\"2926\" data-end=\"2946\"\u003eBrown Leaf Edges\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"3021\"\u003eUsually caused by dry conditions, low humidity, or insufficient watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"12ppzd6\" data-start=\"3023\" data-end=\"3043\"\u003eYellowing Leaves\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3115\"\u003eCan result from nutrient deficiencies, poor drainage, or overwatering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"lur0eo\" data-start=\"3117\" data-end=\"3132\"\u003eSlow Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3209\"\u003eOften caused by cool temperatures, poor soil fertility, or excessive shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"v09r5d\" data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3227\"\u003eFrost Damage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3229\" data-end=\"3302\"\u003eFoliage may be damaged by frost or prolonged exposure to cold conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"ntzdcc\" data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3321\"\u003ePest Problems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3323\" data-end=\"3411\"\u003eGenerally robust but may occasionally attract scale insects, mealybugs, or caterpillars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3413\" data-end=\"3416\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"mu966k\" data-start=\"3418\" data-end=\"3433\"\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3448\"\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3450\" data-end=\"3466\"\u003eTropical gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3468\" data-end=\"3490\"\u003eSubtropical landscapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3492\" data-end=\"3509\"\u003ePrivacy screening\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3511\" data-end=\"3528\"\u003ePoolside planting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3551\"\u003eCommercial landscapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3567\"\u003eResort gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3585\"\u003eFeature planting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3587\" data-end=\"3614\"\u003eLarge decorative containers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3616\" data-end=\"3633\"\u003eCourtyard gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3764\"\u003eIts contrasting foliage colour makes it particularly effective in tropical-themed planting schemes and layered landscape designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3769\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"8r6oui\" data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3802\"\u003eSpecification and Care Chart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"4664\" class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3827\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3827\"\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3816\" data-col-size=\"sm\" class=\"last:pe-10\"\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"3816\" data-end=\"3827\" data-col-size=\"md\" class=\"last:pe-10\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-start=\"3853\" data-end=\"4664\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3853\" data-end=\"3901\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3853\" data-end=\"3870\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"3870\" data-end=\"3901\"\u003eAlpinia zerumbet 'Red Back'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3902\" data-end=\"3935\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3902\" data-end=\"3916\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"3916\" data-end=\"3935\"\u003eRed Back Ginger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3980\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3949\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3949\" data-end=\"3980\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eTropical clumping perennial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4008\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"3997\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3997\" data-end=\"4008\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e1.5m–3m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4009\" data-end=\"4033\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4009\" data-end=\"4024\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4033\"\u003e1m–2m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4069\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4049\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4069\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eUpright clumping\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4104\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4084\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4084\" data-end=\"4104\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eModerate to fast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4105\" data-end=\"4154\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4105\" data-end=\"4124\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eLight Conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4124\" data-end=\"4154\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003ePart shade to filtered sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4213\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4173\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eDirect Sunlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4213\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eTolerates sun with adequate moisture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4264\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4235\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eWatering Frequency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"4235\" data-end=\"4264\"\u003eRegular watering required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4265\" data-end=\"4314\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4265\" data-end=\"4277\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eSoil Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4314\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eRich, fertile, well-draining soil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4315\" data-end=\"4351\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4315\" data-end=\"4338\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eDrainage Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4338\" data-end=\"4351\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eEssential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4385\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4372\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eTemperature Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4385\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e18°C–35°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4386\" data-end=\"4415\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4386\" data-end=\"4397\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4397\" data-end=\"4415\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eHigh preferred\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4416\" data-end=\"4478\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4416\" data-end=\"4429\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eFertiliser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4429\" data-end=\"4478\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eSlow-release fertiliser during growing season\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4479\" data-end=\"4506\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4479\" data-end=\"4499\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMaintenance Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"4499\" data-end=\"4506\"\u003eLow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4507\" data-end=\"4556\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4507\" data-end=\"4527\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eDrought Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4556\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eModerate once established\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4557\" data-end=\"4589\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4557\" data-end=\"4577\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eCoastal Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4577\" data-end=\"4589\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4590\" data-end=\"4615\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4590\" data-end=\"4608\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eFrost Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4615\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eLow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4664\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4629\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003ePet Safety\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"4629\" data-end=\"4664\"\u003eGenerally regarded as non-toxic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4666\" data-end=\"4669\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1hryhf7\" data-start=\"4671\" data-end=\"4677\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1all7yl\" data-start=\"4679\" data-end=\"4749\"\u003eWhat makes Red Back Ginger different from other Alpinia varieties?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4751\" data-end=\"4897\"\u003eIts most distinctive feature is the rich burgundy-red colouring on the underside of the leaves, which creates strong contrast and visual interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"193utm4\" data-start=\"4899\" data-end=\"4939\"\u003eHow large does Red Back Ginger grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4941\" data-end=\"5025\"\u003eMature plants typically reach between 1.5 and 3 metres tall and up to 2 metres wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"e4pa5l\" data-start=\"5027\" data-end=\"5059\"\u003eDoes Red Back Ginger flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5061\" data-end=\"5152\"\u003eYes. Mature plants may produce hanging clusters of shell-like flowers during warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"twlgdo\" data-start=\"5154\" data-end=\"5195\"\u003eCan Red Back Ginger grow in full sun?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5301\"\u003eIt can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but generally performs best in part shade or filtered light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"ms9sg2\" data-start=\"5303\" data-end=\"5348\"\u003eHow often should I water Red Back Ginger?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5350\" data-end=\"5446\"\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist, particularly during warm weather and periods of active growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1pc74wd\" data-start=\"5448\" data-end=\"5494\"\u003eIs Red Back Ginger suitable for screening?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5496\" data-end=\"5579\"\u003eYes. Its dense upright growth habit makes it an excellent tropical screening plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"ne3zg3\" data-start=\"5581\" data-end=\"5609\"\u003eCan it be grown in pots?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5611\" data-end=\"5709\"\u003eYes. It performs well in large containers provided adequate moisture and nutrients are maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"7gn4ek\" data-start=\"5711\" data-end=\"5749\"\u003eIs Red Back Ginger frost tolerant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5751\" data-end=\"5827\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eNo. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected from cold temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Nurso","offers":[{"title":"200mm","offer_id":51885393314088,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/6847\/6200\/files\/f39c829f-18aa-48dd-9bd5-407a25c111f1.png?v=1780203726","url":"https:\/\/www.thenurso.au\/products\/alpinia-zerumbet-red-back-red-back-ginger","provider":"The Nurso","version":"1.0","type":"link"}