Mauve Dragon Ginger Orchid

Mauve Dragon Ginger Orchid (Globba winitii 'Mauve Dragon') is a small tropical relative of the edible gingers, with delicate hanging sprays of bright pink petals and long, curling yellow ones. It grows about 60cm tall and 30cm wide, loves warmth, moisture and shade, and flowers happily indoors. Despite the name, the colour is a strong warm pink rather than mauve.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers like tiny dragons. Long, fine sprays carry broad pink petals and slender yellow ones that curl like small trunks.
• A shade brightener. It lights up the dim corners of tropical and subtropical gardens where few flowering plants succeed.
• A good houseplant. It often flowers happily indoors, and warm humid rooms such as a bathroom suit it well.
• Compact. At 30cm wide it slips into narrow beds, between larger plants or into a single pot.
• Related to the edible gingers. The leaves look like those of other gingers, so it blends easily into a lush, layered planting.

Where it works best

Shady tropical and subtropical borders. Plant 30cm apart in a drift, which makes a better show than a single plant.

Underplanting. Use it beneath palms, taller gingers and shade trees, in the moist, sheltered ground they create.

Indoors as a houseplant. Grow it in a pot in a warm, bright room out of direct sun, and keep the air humid.

Growing Mauve Dragon Ginger Orchid in Australia

Position and climate. Warm, moist and shady are the watchwords. It is a plant for tropical and subtropical gardens and is frost tender. In cooler climates grow it in a pot and bring it inside for winter. It may die back in cooler months and return with warmth.

Soil. Rich, moisture-holding but well-drained soil with plenty of compost, topped with mulch.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. For the longest flowering and lush new growth, give extra water during dry periods and a diluted liquid fertiliser monthly.

Pruning. Little is needed. Remove spent flower stems and any browned leaves to keep it tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mauve Dragon Ginger Orchid as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, so expect a few leaves at first. Pot it up or plant it into prepared, mulched shade, keep it moist and give it warmth, and it will build up to its full size and start to flower.

This is a seasonal line from our grower, so the tube is not always available. When it shows as sold out the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our ornamental gingers
• Plants for full shade
• Designing a tropical garden that looks lush year round
• Indoor flowering plants

Common questions

Is it really mauve?

No. Despite the name, the flowers are a strong warm pink with long yellow petals. The name is a quirk, and the colour is better than it sounds.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. It often flowers happily indoors in a warm, humid, bright room, such as a bathroom with good light. Keep the potting mix moist and out of cold draughts.

How cold can it go?

It is frost tender. Keep it in the tropics and subtropics outdoors, and bring pots inside in cooler areas before the cold arrives.