Costus productus ‘Dwarf Star’ is a reincarnation of a little known older variety. Originally this beautiful cultivar was first introduced and sold by the late Mark Collins. On his old sales sheets this variety was sold as ‘Dwarf barbatus.’ It is neither a true Costus barbatus nor a Costus comosus. It is however a very nice cultivar of Costus productus. This variety has a bright orange/red inflorescence as opposed to the soft orange of the standard ‘Orange Tulip’ cultivar. In addition the habit is striking with great form and pleated leaves. Costus productus is a short species well suited for potted plant culture. It has been used as a cut flower product in Hawaii as well. This variety has not been tested for cold hardiness but it should be similar to the standard form, able to recover from a rare winter freeze but needing protection in Zones 9a and colder. It is compact enough to be brought indoors over winter or kept in a green house. Costus productus has proven to be a great parent for hybridizing and this form should produce even nicer hybrids.
Grows to 2-2.5′ in shade to medium sun. Cold hardy in Zones 9b -10.