Tropicals

Tetradenia riparia

Iboza · ginger bush

Also known as: Misty plume bush · Ginger bush

Tetradenia riparia. Available size and form may vary.

Aromatic, softly textured leaves and billowing pale flower clusters give this shrub the common name misty plume bush. Often sold as Iboza or ginger bush, it is not culinary ginger. It can become a substantial plant, but pruning after flowering helps manage a container specimen.

At a glance

Water: Regular in summer; less in winter
Bloom: Airy white to pale lilac or pink clusters.
Light: Sun with light afternoon shade in hot conditions

Sizes & prices

6"$9.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Pet safety

Human safety: Grow as an ornamental, not a homemade herbal remedy. Severe poisoning has been reported after improper medicinal use.

If a pet eats a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Growing & care

Soil: Light, compost-enriched, well-drained mix.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering for new growth.
Winter: Protect from frost indoors; cold can damage developing flowers.
Propagation: Stem cuttings root readily; avoid overly wet conditions.
Size & growth: A branching shrub reaching about 10 ft., occasionally 16 ft., in its native growing conditions. Container growth and trimming keep it smaller.

Sources & photo credits

SANBI, PlantZAfrica

Photo: JMK · CC BY-SA 3.0

Reviewed September 26, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.