Costus laevis - Costaceae
Growing 3' to 6' high ( 1.20m to 1.80 m ) in light shade to medium shade.
Can be grown in places with direct sunlight if only for a few hours per day as long as soil is kept
moist. The plant is apparently variable regarding the leaves and flowers and there are obviously
different forms available in the nursery trade. Our Costus laevis does not have purple colored
leaf undersides but the terminal cone from which the flowers emerge is often redish- purple.
Requires well draining soil rich in humus and sufficient moisture.