Alpinia japonica Extra Spicy Uruguay twisted tips and upturned leaf

twisted tips and upturned leaf margins

One sight of the perfectly formed balls of pure white held atop the magically unfolding leaves in early spring

the clumps are topped with 20" scapes of light lavender flowers

If you garden in Zone 7a

the clumps are topped with 2' long racemes of tiny white flowers which later turn into equally large racemes of small purple berries

Alpinia japonica Extra Spicy Uruguay twisted tips and upturned leafThis wonderful Japanese selection of the hardy Alpinia japonica is no relation to any member of the 1990s English pop group. The upright, glossy green, 1' long, fragrant leaves are heavily splashed with creamy white, making an eye catching addition to the woodland garden. Occasionally the clumps will throw an all green division, which is more vigorous and should be removed. In spring, the clumps are topped with white flowers with red stripes on