ALPINIA. Shell ginger. South and East Asia. Asian perennials closely related to true ginger (Zingiber) and ginger lily (Hedychium). They have stout, branched rhizomes from which sturdy shoots often several feet tall are produced. Large, lance shaped leaves, often with a velvety sheen, are neatly arranged in opposing rows along the stems. Erect or drooping spikes of orchid-like, often extremely fragrant blossoms are borne at the shoot tips, normally in spring or summer. Some are winter deciduous. A. zerumbet (speciosa), has 4-8' stems, 1' to 1½' purple-tinged leaves and hanging clusters of white flowers with red and yellow markings. The selection ‘Variegata’, received from Patrick Worley, is distinguished by irregularly yellow-striped leaves. Sun or light shade (as warm a spot as possible), rich, well drained soil, regular watering. It will resprout after bouts of 20oF or less, though the shoots are damaged by frost.