Meet the Ginger Lily
Ginger Lily | Hedychium spp.
How do you know it’s me?:
I am an herbaceous tropical/subtropical perennial. I will remain evergreen in a tropical climate or in a greenhouse.
I have an upright form.
My flowers appear on large flower spikes. Each flower has 2-3 petals and a very long stamen. Sometimes, they’re fragrant.
Along the flower spike, my blooms tend to open up from the bottom to the top. Each flower only lasts a few days.
I have long, lance-shaped leaves (up to 2’ long). They’re alternate, with pointed tips.
I have a thick, smooth stem.
How big do I grow?: 3’ - 6’ height and 2’ - 3’ spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Part shade.
Where I prefer to put my roots: Moist, well-drained, rich soils. I do not tolerate standing water well.
Hardiness: Zone 7-10
Original home: I am native to southern Asia.
Colors: My blooms can be yellow, orange, pink, red, or white.
When I bloom: Summer.
Wildlife friends: Butterflies and hummingbirds love my late-season nectar.
Flora Fun Facts: I am often used in essential oils. My scent helps with easing stress. Used in massage, I can help ease muscular aches and stiffness.
More Info: This towering plant looks like something out of Jurassic Park - with strong stems that support long, glossy leaves and large, bright flower plumes. Spend any amount of time near a patch of Ginger Lily, and you’re sure to see visiting butterflies or hummingbirds.
A member of the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family. The Hedychium genus includes about 80 species of topical/subtropical herbaceous perennials.
Like the ginger plant, the roots of the Ginger Lily are edible, but not flavorful.
A think layer of protective mulch will help many species withstand winter temperatures down to zone 7.
If winter climate is too cold, the rhizomes can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry area over winter, to be replanted in the spring.
Also called “Garland Flower” due to the use of the flowers in traditional Hawaiian leis.
A great choice for a container, shade garden, rain garden, or greenhouse / conservatory.
Also used in traditional Auryvedic hair and scalp care.
