This Costus can grow the be about 10 feet tall in frost-free areas, but typically grows to be about 6 feet tall in cooler regions, where it is root-hardy and dies back to the ground in the winter.

The flowers appear in late summer or early fall, and are quite unusual looking. They form on red 4" cone-shaped bracts, with several 2 " pure white crinkled flowers protruding from each cone. The flowers look like crepe paper - thus the common name of Crepe Ginger. After the flowers fade away, the attractive red cone-shaped bracts remain for months.

Crepe gingers prefer part sun, but they can do well with direct sun in the morning or late afternoon. They like rich, moist, well-drained soil. They will not tolerate standing water. They are hardy in USDA zones 7-11, which makes them one of the most cold-hardy gingers. In zones 7-9, they will die back to the ground in winter.

It is a rapidly growing plant that spreads quickly. It can make a nice 2' wide clump within one year.