Hedychium
( hee - DIK - ee - um )
At-A-Glance InformationAlso known as Ginger Lily, Garland Flower and Kahili Ginger, this genus of flowering perennial plants needs light shade and ample amounts of water. Leaves on these plants are large, and flowers are fragrant and colorful. Although frost can kill these beauties to the ground, they will regrow in the next season. Flowers bloom in late summer and early fall. These plants are native to Asia, India, and the Himalayas. Use these taller flowering beauties at the backs of planting beds, along walkways, in mixed tropical beds, near pools, or in containers.
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Hedychium Species and Varietals
The genus Hedychium is a member of the plant family Zingiberaceae and includes between 70 and 80 species. Ginger Lily grows best in zones 8, 9, 14-17, 19-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Hedychium coccineum (Red Ginger Lily, Scarlet Ginger Lily, Orange Gingerlily, Orange Bottlebrush Ginger) Grows 6-9 feet tall and long, skinny leaves. Flowers are scarlet-orange and have prominent red stamens. Blossom spikes reach 10 inches long. Cold-hardy variety 'Tara' has flowers that are tangerine-orange in color. This species is native to southern China, the Himalayas, India, and Indochina. |
Hedychium coronarium (White Ginger, Butterfly Lily, Garland Flower) Grows 3-7 feet tall with narrow leaves that reach 2 feet long. Flowers are white and heavily fragrant; they make great cut flowers for fresh arrangements. It has naturalized itself in Hawai'i, where its flowers are used in leis. In California, this plant grows best in coastal, humid areas. |
Caring for Hedychium
Does best in rich soil high in organic matter. To prune, remove spent flowers and trim off old foliage once the blooms fade. Can be grown in containers. Plant spread via rhizomes.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 354, Hedychium
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