There is more to Costaceae than just Costus. The genus Dimerocostus includes just two species, both of which are from the Americas. Here I am offering the yellow flowering form of Dimerocostus strobilaceus. There is also a white flowering form of the same species that I am offering on a separate listing. I have seen the yellow flowering form in nature as far north as Costa Rica and south to southern Peru. It is the more common form in cultivation.
This is a tall plant, growing to 10 feet tall in a large pot. The foliage spirals around the stems much like Costus, but the leaves tend to be closer together and the plant has more of a woody look to it. The bright yellow flowers are quite showy and bloom almost non-stop once the plant has matured. This species is a true lateral bloomer as the flowers form around the stem and the stem can continue to grow right through the inflorescence.
Dimerocostus are frost tender and must be grown in a greenhouse over winter except in Zone 10. They need moist, rich organic soil like most Costus, and will flower best in a sunny area, can be grown in virtually full sun if kept moist.
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