Costus longibracteatus ‘Kiss of Death'

Definitely a favorite. Very large basal blooms with orange flowers. Fairly free flowering and certainly stunning.

 

Found in Ecuador. Collected, named, and introduced by Mark Collins of Plant Group Hawaii. Stems are pubescent and purplish transitioning to green with age. Upper surface of leaves are dark green and glossy while undersides are light green and pubescent. Inflorescence is obvate; composed of thick waxy bracts that appear sharp. Each bract is maroon with a green stripe along the centerline that becomes prominent with age. Flowers are orange-red with a red and bright yellow labellum. Basal blooming.

 

Height: 6 to 10 ft
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Growth: Clumping