Zingiber zerumbet is known as the ‘Shampoo Ginger’ for the thick juice its inflorescences produce. Although not native, it has naturalized in Hawaii and locals there had used this juice as an alternative shampoo. Known as ‘Awapuhi’ in Hawaii and the original source for the natural ingredient in ‘Awapuhi’ shampoos by Paul Mitchell and other brands. Cheaper fragrance additives of the White Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium coronarium) have replaced this, despite the fact the name ‘Awaphui’ is still used. This species in widespread throughout southeast Asia and comes in many variations. To date there is only one variegated cultivar, often known as ‘Darcyi.’ It is not as tall or as vigorous a grower as the standard cultivar common in the US but its foliage is beautiful and it makes the same lovely red cones in late summer. It is cold hardy in Zone 8 but requires some extra protection in the form of mulch and well drained soil. Grows to 3 feet in bright shade to medium sun. Hardy in Zone 8 and above.
Zingiber zerumbet variegated Shampoo Ginger, ‘Darcyi’
$12.00
Out of stock