Hawaiian red ginger (Alpinia purpurata), or awapuhi `ula`ula in Hawaiian, was brought to the islands by the original Polynesians. Growing to a height of 6 feet, it is a slow-growing plant and sometimes doesn't flower for one to three years. After that, the show begins and the red ginger will bloom year-round in huge, red, 12-inch long spikes. Red ginger is not difficult to grow if you live in USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11.
To grow your red ginger choose a site with plenty of space and full sun.
Amend the soil by adding 3 inches of compost and 4 inches of sphagnum peat moss. Use the gardening fork to mix the amendments to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant the red ginger rhizome 1 inch deep and cover it with soil. If planting more than one red ginger, space them at least 4 feet apart.
Water your red ginger frequently to keep the soil constantly moist.
Fertilize the Hawaiian red ginger once a month with a 10-10-10 formula, or follow the rate suggested on your fertilizer package.
Prune dead flowers off at their base.