There are a few hardy gingers that will give you a somewhat similar look, Alpinia japonica, A. zerumbet and Zingiber mioga. They may not bloom in your area but make nice foliage plants.

Johnnieb Thank you so much. I love the look of Alpinia japonica and it will be perfect for my patio garden.

Thanks,
Jennie

There are many types of the cast iron plant and a couple might be more sun tolerant than the ordinary type. I highly recommend that you visit the website of Plant Delights Nursery up in your part of the country. Read the descriptions of the many varieties they sell. If you use them in places where other plants provide some shade for them, they are wonderful to have. I just bought two stripe-leaved varieties from them.