Red tower or spiral ginger is a large member of the Costus genus (Costaceae) that grows in a spiral habit to a height of 4 to 8 feet. Beginning in early April and lasting through autumn, Costus barbatus 'Red Velvet' sends forth blooms in long inflorescences ending in bright red, waxy bracts. Lemon-yellow (and edible) tubular flowers emerge one at a time from between the bracts. Each flower lasts only a day, but the bracts continue to grow throughout the season, reaching a length of 6 to 10 inches. Old bracts die off quickly and new ones replace them throughout the bloom season, giving this plant the illusion of being perpetually in bloom.

When not in bloom, this Costa Rican native is still a very attractive ginger, bearing dark green, shiny leaves with a soft, downy, sage-green underside, making it a staple attraction in any tropical environment.