Myoga ginger Zingiber mioga
Myoga ginger (Zingiber mioga) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family, native to Japan, China and Korea. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Myoga ginger at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: flower buds (sliced raw on tofu, noodles, pickles), young shoots |
| Native to | Japan, China and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Myoga ginger toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Myoga ginger
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Myoga ginger
- How far apart should I plant Myoga ginger?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Myoga ginger need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Myoga ginger need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Myoga ginger?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Myoga ginger flower?
- From about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Myoga ginger poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Myoga ginger?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Myoga ginger. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- The hardiest edible ginger; buds push up at soil level in late summer. Spreads into a patch under trees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Ginger Zingiber officinale
- Turmeric Curcuma longa
- Galangal Alpinia galanga
- Torch ginger Etlingera elatior
- Shell ginger Alpinia zerumbet
- Red ginger Alpinia purpurata
- Beehive ginger Zingiber spectabile
- Siam tulip Curcuma alismatifolia