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Shiny leaves with a bold pattern

Kaempferia Fanciful Peacock™ 'Shazam'

If you’re looking for something unique for your shade garden, kaempferias can be an ideal choice in the Deep South. Ornate leaves form dense mats over time.

Often referred to as “Hostas for the South” or “Peacock Gingers”, Kaempferias produce decorative, colorful leaves when grown in filtered to deep shade in regions of the U.S. from the Gulf Coast to Florida and west to California. Generally appearing before the foliage, iridescent, pink to purple flowers can be a pleasant surprise as plants waken from their long slumber. Beginning in June and continuing till frost, ornate leaves form decorative mats—perfect for planting where there are limited choices under the shade of mature trees.

Easy to grow as long as they are well drained in winter, Kaempferias make lovely groundcovers in small areas and thrive in extreme heat. They also contribute nicely to mixed containers for those of you who live in colder regions. Introduced by John Banta, this peacock ginger has as much contrast in its markings as a Bengal cat. Silvery-green leaves are boldly patterned with striking marks of maroon and silver. As with all Kaempferia elegans, glistening purple flowers form among the foliage through summer.

Please note: We don't sell plants. Asking your local retailer or googling the plant name is the easiest way to find someone selling our plants.

Please note: Download hi-res photos from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.


Who Am I?

  • Common Name

    Shazam peacock ginger
  • Botanical Name

    Kaempferia 'Shazam'

Cultural Details

  • Size

    2-6" tall by 10-15"wide
  • Hardiness Zone

    8-11
  • Light

    Filtered to full shade
  • Soil

    Average garden soil
  • Moisture

    Well-drained, especially in winter
  • Disease & Pests

    None known
  • Landscape Use

    Borders, containers, mass plantings
  • Propagation

    Tissue Culture

Available Photos

Hover over images to download hi-res files.