Cautleya is a small genus virtually unknown to most American gardeners. There are only a few species and so far Cautleya gracilis is the first I’ve found to be very easy in the South. Although Cautleya are mostly Alpine species, preferring cooler climates this variety of Cautleya gracilis seems quite happy in the not so cool, humid and hot South Louisiana. This dwarf species resembles a Dancing Girl Ginger in its foliage habit. They are quick to produce upright spikes of yellow flowers. If grown in pots they will easily bloom in quart size pots but would prefer a 6″ pot or wider for a more permanent stay. Cautleya are naturally deciduous and can be stored dry if grown in pots. The Globba like rhizomes can be harvested and stored indoors, or the entire pot can be kept dry and away from freezing temps over winter.
Grows to 18″ in filtered shade to medium sun. Hardy in Zone 8- 9 (Zone 7 and 10 may be possible but we just don’t have the reports yet).