<em>Hedychium</em>: planting, growing and caring for

Botany

The Hedychiums are imposing herbaceous perennial plants with rootstock, offering lush foliage and unusual flowering in erect clusters. They include about 90 species native to Asia, notably Himalayan region and Nepal. In wild, they are mainly found in light, bright understoreys, both in lowlands and at altitude (some species grow up to 3,000 metres, which likely explains their fairly good hardiness). A few species are even epiphytic, growing directly on tree trunks rather than in soil.

Name of Hedychium comes from Greek hedys meaning “sweet” and chion meaning snow, alluding to white, fragrant flowering of species Hedychium coronarium.

Hedychiums are very close to ginger, so much that they are sometimes called “ornamental ginger”. They belong to same family as ginger, Zingiberaceae (more than 1,500 species). Family also includes other spices such as turmeric and cardamom, as well as plants sometimes grown for ornamental interest, such as Roscoea and Alpinia.

Despite tropical appearance, Hedychiums are not as tender as might be thought. Hedychium forrestii and densiflorum, which appear among most hardy, tolerate down to –15 °C, and Hedychium coronarium can withstand –10 °C.

Hedychiums form large clumps of erect stems, thick and very straight, unbranched, bearing leaves inserted in regular fashion. They are fairly tall, imposing plants that grow quickly and often reach between 1 and 2.5 metres in height. In wild, some species reach up to 5 metres. Hedychiums produce robust erect stems, very straight, unbranched. These stems bear leaves arranged very regularly.

Hedychium coronarium: botanical illustration

Hedychiums flower in late summer–early autumn: depending on variety, flowering occurs between August and November. Timing of flower appearance also depends on climate, therefore on region where grown: flowers appear earlier under mild climate (August), and later where cooler (September–October).

Hedychiums then bear erect clusters composed of large numbers of flowers. These clusters measure between 10 and 35 cm long and are positioned terminally. Generally, inflorescences open from base to apex. They have quite airy, light aspect… except Hedychium densiflorum: as name suggests, this species produces dense inflorescences, flowers being relatively close together. Hedychium spicatum, by contrast, has totally different habit, with just a few white, light, irregular flowers.

Hedychium flowers are prized for warm hues, more or less intense depending on variety. They can be white, cream, yellow, orange or red. Flowers often bear long red stamens, very decorative.

Flowers are irregular in shape, with bilateral symmetry, evoking butterflies (image also seen in Hedychium coronarium, also called “butterfly ginger”). Each flower is borne by a green, tubular bract. Flowers face outwards from spike. They consist of petals fused into a tube, opening into very narrow, linear lobes. Each flower bears a long fertile stamen, often red, as well as staminodia, which take form of petals. These latter are more or less wide depending on species, well developed in Hedychium coronarium, but very narrow in Hedychium yunnanense, giving inflorescence an airy, translucent style.

Hedychium flowers are fragrant. They are also melliferous, appreciated by bees that visit them.

Flowering of Hedychium gardnerianum (photo J.J. Harrison) / Detail of a Hedychium gardnerianum flower (photo Pancrat) / Flowering of Hedychium yunnanense (photo Peganum)

Hedychium greenii has the particularity of producing small seedlings on inflorescences once faded! It is possible to remove these and replant in garden. This allows species to spread very easily, since seedlings only need to detach from parent plant, land on soil and root.

Foliage of Hedychium is very lush, making plant decorative even when not in flower. Leaves are very elongated, lanceolate, and narrowed to an acuminate tip. They are simple, entire, and measure between 30 and 50 cm long. Lamina is sheathing at base. Leaves have quite graphic aspect. They are arranged regularly, in alternate fashion, on each side of stem, in a single plane.

Leaves are green and set off flowering well. There are also some variegated varieties, such as ‘Tahitian Flame’. Leaves of Hedychium greenii show handsome purplish-red colour on underside.

Hedychium flavum: overall view and detail of foliage (photos Krzysztof Golik) / Leaves of Hedychium greenii

Hedychiums are deciduous, aerial parts die back for winter, but rootstock remains alive, protected from cold in soil. It will send up new shoots and leaves in spring when temperatures become milder. It reappears fairly late, around May–June… which can make it seem vanished, but usually just requires a little patience. Once emerged, Hedychiums grow rapidly. They are vigorous plants, producing lush foliage, but require fertiliser or organic matter to feed that growth.

Hedychiums have thick, fleshy, ramified rootstocks. These are storage organs that also enable plant to spread and gain ground. Rootstocks have scent of ginger.

In autumn, after flowering, Hedychiums produce capsules containing seeds. When ripe, capsules split into three parts to reveal seeds of bright red. Inside of capsules is quite decorative, vivid orange. Seeds are dispersed by animals that eat them (notably birds, but also mammals). However, Hedychium must be grown under very mild climate to have chance of producing seeds.

Hedychium gardnerianum in fruiting (photo Ixitixel) / Detail of fruits (photo Maja Dumat)

Main varieties of Hedychium

Most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Other varieties to discover

Hedychium coccineum Tara - Ginger Lily

This very popular variety is prized for its fairly bright, orange flowering in long upright clusters... A superbly luminous, warm hue, which earned it the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It also has fairly good hardiness.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Hedychium gardnerianum - Ginger Lily

This Hedychium produces a gentler flowering of soft yellow, enlivened by long red stamens. It is one of the species most widely grown in cultivation. It was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

 

Hedychium ellipticum - Ginger Lily

This Hedychium is notable for producing rather short, rounded clusters. Flowers are creamy white with prominent, very long red stamens.

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Hedychium densiflorum

This Hedychium bears orange inflorescences in long, slender, fairly dense clusters. They comprise a large number of flowers packed closely together.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,30 m

See the product sheet

Hedychium gardnerianum Species Mixed Seeds

These seeds will allow you to obtain young plants of Hedychium gardnerianum, which will then produce large upright clusters in a range of colours.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

 

Hedychium spicatum - Ginger Lily

This Hedychium produces inflorescences made up of a small number of white flowers, delicately tinged with orange, and fairly fragrant. A particularly graceful, light flowering, well set off by dark green foliage.

• Flowering time October, November
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Hedychium yunnanense - Ginger Lily

This Hedychium bears (rather short) clusters composed of pale yellow, almost white flowers with a truly light, airy appearance, due to the fineness of the petals. It is a very elegant flowering.

• Flowering time October, November
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Hedychium greenii - Coral Ginger

This is a rather small species, not very tall, which produces red flowers. Its foliage also has the particularity of a purplish-red colour on the underside. Its stems are also purplish, quite dark.

• Flowering time October, November
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

 

Planting

Where to plant?

You can plant Hedychium in full sun or partial shade, but it is important to choose a well-lit position. If situation is too shaded, flowering of Hedychium will be less generous. Plant in a fairly warm spot, sheltered from wind. A sheltered spot, such as a small inner courtyard or patio, would be ideal.

Hedychiums appreciate humus-rich, fertile soils, which is why it is best to add well-rotted compost when planting. They also like deep, light soils.

In general, Hedychiums also appreciate free-draining soils that remain relatively dry while plant is in dormancy. However, soil should preferably be cool, even moist, in summer. Hedychium grows fairly well in heavy, clay soils. You can also plant them near a pond.

Regarding pH, Hedychiums prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils.

Hedychiums can be planted outdoors provided you do not live in too cold a region (notably in mountains) and provided they are protected with a good layer of mulch. Otherwise, opt for planting in pots so you can bring them easily under cover for winter.

During growth and flowering, Hedychiums appreciate tropical conditions, with heat and humidity.

When to plant?

Plant Hedychiums in spring, around April. It is also possible to do this in autumn if you live in a mild climate, or if you grow Hedychium in a pot.

How to plant?

Hedychiums can be bought in pots or as bare roots. If planting several Hedychiums, allow at least 60–70 cm between them.

1. If in pots, start by placing them in a basin filled with water.
2. While the rootball rehydrates, dig a planting hole about three times the size of the rootball.
3. Feel free to add coarse material to improve water infiltration, for example gravel. We also recommend adding some well-rotted compost to enrich the soil.
4. Remove the rootball from its pot and plant it, or, if bought as bare roots, place the rootstock directly in soil.
5. Then backfill the planting hole with soil.
6. Water generously.

We recommend adding a good layer of mulch, which will help keep soil cool for longer while limiting weed growth.

Once established, it is best not to disturb Hedychiums. They do not like being moved.

You can also plant Hedychium in a pot, which will allow you to bring it easily under cover for winter. Choose a wide, deep container, place a drainage layer at the bottom (gravel, clay balls…) and use a rich, light potting compost.

Hedychium gardnerianum (photo Forest and Kim Starr)

Care

Carry out regular waterings during summer, so soil remains cool, even moist. Waterings should be heavier if plant is grown in a pot. Flowering will be more attractive and abundant if soil is cool, whereas summer drought could interrupt flowering. Conversely, substrate should be rather dry in winter to prevent rootstock from rotting.

Hedychium will also benefit from some applications of fertiliser, as it is a fairly greedy plant that likes soil rich in mineral elements. In open ground, you can spread well-rotted compost around the clump and incorporate it into soil by lightly forking in.

Cut flowers when spent, for appearance and to relieve plant.

We recommend providing protection against cold. At start of winter, around December, cut stems back to base, close to soil. Then lay a thick layer of mulch, made for example of dead leaves (at least 30 cm thick). Besides protecting it, laying mulch over stump will add organic matter to soil and thus enrich it. You can also bring plant under cover for winter, especially if grown in a pot (or if you live in a cold region).

Greatly reduce waterings in winter. It is preferable that substrate remains relatively dry while plant is in dormancy. In summary, Hedychiums appreciate warmth, humidity and feeding in summer, but like to remain cool and dry in winter.

Do not worry if you do not see Hedychium restart in spring. It may emerge fairly late, sometimes producing new stems only in June. It waits for temperatures to be mild enough to resume its growth.

Hedychium is not susceptible to diseases. Regarding pests, watch out for aphids. These small insects settle on plant and suck sap, which weakens it. We recommend treating with black soap. Likewise, hedychiums are sometimes attacked by red spider mites (when grown under glass or indoors). As these mites favour dry atmospheres, you can get rid of them by spraying water on foliage. Gastropods — slugs and snails — sometimes nibble young leaves.

Propagation

Hedychiums can be propagated by sowing or division. Hedychium greenii has the particularity of producing seedlings instead of flowers once the flowers have faded. You can plant them into the soil to multiply the plant.

Sowing

Seeds must be sown immediately after harvest or purchase, without delay. They lose their seed viability over time.

1. Prepare a pot with potting compost.
2. Sow seeds by placing them on the surface.
3. Cover them with a thin layer of sieved potting compost or vermiculite.
4. Water with a fine spray.
5. Place the pot under cover, in a bright position, at a temperature between 20 and 25 °C.
6. You can cover the pot with plastic film to retain a humid atmosphere.

Seeds can take a long time to germinate (between 15 days and two months). Continue to water regularly until germination so the substrate remains fairly cool.

Once seeds have germinated and seedlings are large enough to handle, you can pot them on into individual pots. Harden them off gradually before planting out permanently in the ground.

Division of rootstocks

Hedychiums gradually form large clumps. As they are vigorous plants with rapid growth, you can divide them from time to time to replant elsewhere or give to friends and family. This helps limit the size of the clumps. Division is carried out in spring.

1. Begin by lifting the plant or removing it from its pot.
2. Cut the rootstock into several sections. Use a sterilised, sharp knife to make a clean cut.
3. Place each piece of rootstock in a pot filled with potting compost.
4. Keep the pot under cover. This allows the plant to start its growth while protected. You can plant it out into the ground later once it has developed well.

To divide Hedychium grown in the ground, you can dig up the whole clump if it is not too large and then divide it, or simply lift part of the clump and leave the remainder in the ground.

Association

Hedychiums are obviously perfect for creating a tropical, exotic garden. Plant them among large decorative foliage, such as that of arborescent ferns, palms, bananas, castor oil plant… Choose plants with majestic, giant leaves, such as Tetrapanax, Colocasia or Gunnera. Discover also the large rounded leaves of Astilboides tabularis, or the very deeply cut foliage of Datisca cannabina. All these plants will give your garden a tropical look. You can aim to create a jungle effect: a tangle of plants, untidy, with a very natural, lush feel that also feels exotic. Don’t hesitate to include some lianas, such as akebias, clematis, passionflowers… Also discover the hanging red and yellow flowers of Abutilon megapotamicum. You will create a garden that transports you, makes you feel as though you are in the Amazon or in the lush forest of a distant continent.

Also consider including other plants with impressive flowering, favouring red – orange – yellow tones. Choose, for example, cannas, crocosmias, kniphofias, lantanas, daylilies, ligularias… Their flowering will perfectly complement that of hedychiums! If you live in a region with a mild climate (elsewhere, you can to grow it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter), enjoy the superb flowering of Strelitzia reginae. For decorative and colourful foliage, discover that of Libertia peregrinans.

Hedychiums fit very easily into an exotic-style garden. Fatsia japonica, Crinum powellii, Hedychium coccineum (photo Swati Sidhu), Libertia peregrinans, Akebia quinata and Canna ‘Brilliant’ (photo Steven Bemelman – iBulb)

You can also choose, to accompany hedychiums, other original, little-known plants. Opt, for example, for Brugmansia, Roscoea, Lycoris aurea, Scadoxus… Not forgetting elegant flowering of Crinum and Cardiocrinum. Your garden will be a never-ending source of wonder, set to astonish you and surprise your guests, with uncommon flowering, original shapes and colours!

Finally, as Hedychiums appreciate soils that stay cool in summer, you can plant them close to a pond, alongside ferns, gunneras, ligularias, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)… This will create a fresh, natural atmosphere, a garden corner ideal for recharging.

→ Discover other association ideas with Hedychiums in our advice sheet !

Did you know?

• Cuba’s national emblem

The species Hedychium coronarium, called Flor de Mariposa, is Cuba’s national flower, a symbol of resistance to Spanish occupation. Since Mariposa means “butterfly” (alluding to the shape of the flowers), this Hedychium is sometimes known as “butterfly ginger”.