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Plants respond in kindness when planted in the proper location.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Select a spacious, sunny outdoor location for optimal performance of variegated shell ginger, which grows into a shrub measuring five to eight feed wide and tall. Plants are anchored in soil by a rhizome root system requiring a balanced pH, also tolerating acidic conditions or a slight alkaline lean. Add this ginger to the background of an herb garden or to a border where contact with leaves and flowers will perfume the surroundings. - 2
Creamy stripes mark the variegated pinnate leaves of variegated shell ginger.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Transplant variegated shell ginger into the prepared hole, digging width two inches larger than container radius. Loosen soil in the hole's base with pitch fork. Use a hose to water the hole and container well, then remove the container and plant the shrub during late afternoon to lessen environmental shock. - 3
Variegated Shell Ginger make a nice addition to the household.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Pot specimens in larger containers for accommodating anticipated vegetative growth. Fill gaps between the rhizome ball and container with potting soil using a hand shovel, then use the watering can to soak well. Place container in a warm, sunlit room, misting the entire plant to maintain humidity as needed. - 4). Divide rhizomes when plants grow into dense clumps. Do not prune out old canes, as flowering occurs on those produced in previous seasons. Fragrant white blooms tinged pink resemble clusters of sea shells which begin showing from mid-spring through mid-fall, evolving into small brown seed sacs.
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Fragrant crafts are created from leaves and roots of variegated shell ginger.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Dry roots, leaves and flowers of variegated shell ginger for domestic uses. Leaves make tea, blend into potpourri, or can be strung into holiday garlands and wreaths. Slice root for culinary use either fresh or use a food dehydrator to dry herb quickly, preventing mold growth.
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