A tropical look is not out of reach even when your garden is far north of the equator. Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior), a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b to 11, features lush banana-like leaves and red flowers that make a big impact in the garden. Torch ginger reaches 15 to 20 feet tall in its native Southeast Asia, but it generally won't reach that size in a cooler climate. Brilliant, red cone-shaped flowers give torch ginger its name, but to get those fiery blossoms, you need to grow it in a suitable site and provide proper care.