Hi gardenwitch :-)

Yes, it is a very pretty plant. I was able to get it from a local nursery... in your area there may be one who can order a nice big one for you. Otherwise there are definitely mail order sources....

Here is one:

Here is a link that might be useful: Varigated Shell Ginger

gardenwitch,
Be aware that this ginger won't be hardy in your garden and will have to be wintered over in a frost free environment.

Thankyou for your advice. I ordered one from the source given and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I plan to put it in a container that can be brought in my sunroom for the winter. I will let you know when it arrives how it looks.

it overwintered here for me...i am in sacramento.

It over-winters here too, and does so well it's almost over-done, but you should know it blooms on second-year growth. I think it might get a little ratty in the winter in your sun-room, which would reasonably be dryer than the tropics (I hope!) and you might be tempted to prune it back, which is fine if you just like the foliage. The flowers are special, too, tho'--that picture is great. Of course they only last a little while (don't remember how long, as we usually get just enough frost to nip them back and lose the flowers.) I have a different (non-vaiegated) alpinia that may be more tender, come to think of it. But I know we seldom see blooms on any of the shell gingers here without extra protection.