Torch ginger Etlingera elatior
Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java). It grows 2.5–5 m (8.2–16 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Torch ginger in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Torch ginger at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–5 m (8.2–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–157 weeks after planting, for 13–43 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flower buds, young shoots |
| Native to | Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Torch ginger toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Flower buds are a food ingredient in Southeast Asia; no toxicity reported.
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 Torch ginger
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
See Torch ginger in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (2 plants)
- China National Botanical Garden (2 plants)
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (3 plants)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (2 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (2 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (2 plants)
- Thai tropical garden (6 plants)
Questions about Torch ginger
- How far apart should I plant Torch ginger?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Torch ginger need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Torch ginger need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Torch ginger?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Torch ginger flower?
- About 104–157 weeks after planting, for 13–43 weeks.
- Is Torch 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. Flower buds are a food ingredient in Southeast Asia; no toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Torch ginger?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Torch ginger. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Needs constant moisture, humidity and shelter from wind; the flower stalks arise directly from the rhizome, separately from the leafy canes.
- Typical garden-form values; local conditions differ.
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
- Shell ginger Alpinia zerumbet
- Red ginger Alpinia purpurata
- Beehive ginger Zingiber spectabile
- Siam tulip Curcuma alismatifolia
- White ginger lily Hedychium coronarium