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

Botany

Hedychiums are imposing herbaceous perennial plants with rootstock, offering luxuriant foliage and an original flowering habit in erect clusters. They comprise about 90 species originating from Asia, notably Himalayan region and Nepal. In wild, they are mainly found in bright, light woodland, both lowland and at altitude (some species grow up to 3,000 metres, which probably explains their fairly good hardiness). A few species are even epiphytic, growing directly on trunks rather than on soil.

Name of Hedychium comes from Greek hedys, meaning ‘sweet’, and chion, meaning ‘snow’, referring to white, fragrant flowering of Hedychium coronarium.

Hedychiums are very close to ginger, so much so that they are sometimes called “ornamental ginger”. They belong to same family, Zingiberaceae (more than 1,500 species). This family also includes other spices such as Curcuma and Cardamom, and 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 Hedychium densiflorum, among the hardiest, tolerate down to –15 °C, and Hedychium coronarium can withstand around –10 °C.

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

Hedychium coronarium: botanical illustration

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

Hedychiums then bear erect clusters made up of numerous flowers. Clusters measure between 10 and 35 cm long and are terminal. Inflorescences generally open from base to tip. They have an airy, light appearance… except for Hedychium densiflorum: as name suggests, this species produces dense inflorescences with flowers set relatively close together. Hedychium spicatum, by contrast, has a very different look, with just a few white, delicate, irregular flowers.

Hedychium flowers are prized for warm hues, varying by variety. They can be white, cream, yellow, orange or red. Flowers often bear long red stamens, highly decorative.

Flowers are irregular in shape, with bilateral symmetry, evoking butterflies (an idea also associated with Hedychium coronarium, sometimes called “butterfly ginger”). Each flower is borne by a green tubular bract. Flowers face outward from inflorescence. They consist of petals fused into a tube, opening into very fine linear lobes. Each flower bears a long fertile stamen, often red, as well as staminodia (staminodium), which take petal-like form. These are more or less broad depending on species, well developed in Hedychium coronarium but very narrow in Hedychium yunnanense, giving the inflorescence an airy, transparent look.

Hedychium flowers are fragrant. They are also melliferous, appreciated by bees for nectar.

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

Hedychium greenii has the peculiarity of producing small seedlings on inflorescences once faded! These can be removed and replanted in garden. This allows this species to spread very easily, since seedlings only need to detach from mother plant, land on soil and root.

Foliage of Hedychium has a very luxuriant aspect, making plant decorative even when not in flower. Leaves are very elongated, lanceolate, tapering to a point at tip (acuminate). They are simple, entire, and measure between 30 and 50 cm long. Lamina is sheathing at base. Leaves have a graphic look. They are arranged regularly, alternately 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 have a beautiful purplish-red colour on underside.

Hedychium coronarium: botanical illustration

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

Hedychiums then bear erect clusters made up of numerous flowers. Clusters measure between 10 and 35 cm long and are terminal. Inflorescences generally open from base to tip. They have an airy, light appearance… except for Hedychium densiflorum: as name suggests, this species produces dense inflorescences with flowers set relatively close together. Hedychium spicatum, by contrast, has a very different look, with just a few white, delicate, irregular flowers.

Hedychium flowers are prized for warm hues, varying by variety. They can be white, cream, yellow, orange or red. Flowers often bear long red stamens, highly decorative.

Flowers are irregular in shape, with bilateral symmetry, evoking butterflies (an idea also associated with Hedychium coronarium, sometimes called “butterfly ginger”). Each flower is borne by a green tubular bract. Flowers face outward from inflorescence. They consist of petals fused into a tube, opening into very fine linear lobes. Each flower bears a long fertile stamen, often red, as well as staminodia (staminodium), which take petal-like form. These are more or less broad depending on species, well developed in Hedychium coronarium but very narrow in Hedychium yunnanense, giving the inflorescence an airy, transparent look.

Hedychium flowers are fragrant. They are also melliferous, appreciated by bees for nectar.

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

Hedychium greenii has the peculiarity of producing small seedlings on inflorescences once faded! These can be removed and replanted in garden. This allows this species to spread very easily, since seedlings only need to detach from mother plant, land on soil and root.

Foliage of Hedychium has a very luxuriant aspect, making plant decorative even when not in flower. Leaves are very elongated, lanceolate, tapering to a point at tip (acuminate). They are simple, entire, and measure between 30 and 50 cm long. Lamina is sheathing at base. Leaves have a graphic look. They are arranged regularly, alternately 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 have a beautiful purplish-red colour on underside.

Hedychium flavum: overall view and foliage detail (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 produce new stems and leaves in spring when temperatures become milder. It reappears fairly late, around May–June… which can lead to belief that it has disappeared, but usually just needs a little patience. Once above ground, Hedychiums grow quickly. These are vigorous plants that develop luxuriant foliage but require fertiliser or organic matter to feed this growth.

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

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

A Hedychium gardnerianum in fruiting (photo Ixitixel) / Fruit detail (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 vivid, orange flowering in long upright clusters... A superb bright, warm shade, which earned it an 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 softer flowering in a pale yellow colour, enlivened by long red stamens. It is one of the species most commonly grown and has received an Award of Garden Merit from 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 fairly 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 tightly packed 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 later produce large upright clusters in various shades.

• 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 quite 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 (fairly short) clusters composed of pale yellow, almost white flowers, with a very 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, producing red flowers. Its foliage is notable for a purplish-red underside. Its stems are also purplish and 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 bright position. If the location is too shaded, Hedychium will flower less profusely. Plant in a fairly warm position, sheltered from wind. A sheltered spot such as a small courtyard or patio would be ideal.

Hedychiums prefer fertile, humus-rich 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 well-draining soils that remain relatively dry during dormancy. However, soil should preferably be cool, even moist, in summer. Hedychium grows quite well in clay, heavy soils. You can also plant them near a pond.

Regarding pH, Hedychiums prefer neutral or slightly acidic soils.

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

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

When to plant?

Plant Hedychiums in spring, around April. It is also possible to do so 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. Do not hesitate 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. Backfill the planting hole with soil.
6. Water generously.

We recommend installing 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 grow Hedychium in a pot, which will allow you to bring plants easily under cover for winter. Choose a wide, deep container, place a drainage layer at the bottom (gravel, clay pebbles…) and use a rich, light potting compost.

Hedychium gardnerianum (photo Forest and Kim Starr)

Maintenance

Water regularly during summer, so soil stays cool, even moist. Watering should be increased if you grow the plant in a pot. Flowering will be more attractive and abundant if soil is cool, while summer drought may interrupt flowering. Conversely, it is better for the substrate to be fairly dry in winter to prevent the rootstock from rotting.

Hedychium will also appreciate some fertiliser, being a fairly heavy feeder that likes soils rich in mineral nutrients. In ground, you can lay well-rotted compost around the clump and work it into the soil with a light fork-over.

Cut flowers when faded, for appearance and to relieve the plant.

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

Cut back watering sharply in winter. It is preferable for the substrate to be relatively dry while the plant is in dormancy. In summary, Hedychiums appreciate heat, humidity and feeding in summer, but prefer to stay cool and dry in winter.

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

Hedychium is not susceptible to disease. Regarding pests, watch out for aphids. These small insects settle on the plant and extract 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 the 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 latter have faded. You can plant them into the ground to propagate the plant.

Sowing

Seeds must be sown immediately after being harvested or purchased, without delay. They lose their seed viability over time.

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

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

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

Division of rootstocks

Hedychiums form large clumps over time. As 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 a little. Division is carried out in spring.

1. Start by digging up the plant or taking it out of its pot.
2. Cut the rootstock into several segments. Use a disinfected, 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 begin its growth while protected. You can plant it out later in the ground once it has developed well.

To divide Hedychium grown in ground, you can dig up the whole clump if it is not too extensive and then divide it, or simply take a portion and leave the rest in the ground.

Association

Hedychiums are obviously perfect for creating a tropical, exotic-style garden. Plant them among large decorative foliage, such as arborescent ferns, palms, banana plants, Ricinus… Choose plants with majestic, giant leaves, such as Tetrapanax, Colocasia or Gunnera. Also discover the large rounded leaves of Astilboides tabularis, or the highly divided foliage of Datisca cannabina. All these plants will give your garden a tropical feel. You might aim to create a jungle effect: a tangle of plants, untidy, in a very natural, luxuriant yet exotic spirit. Don’t hesitate to include a few lianas, such as akebias, clematis, passionflowers… Also discover the hanging red-and-yellow flowers of Abutilon megapotamicum. You’ll achieve a garden that transports you, makes you travel, and gives the impression of being in Amazonia or in the lush forest of a distant continent.

Also consider including other plants with striking flowering, favouring red–orange–yellow tones. Choose, for example, cannas, crocosmias, kniphofias, lantanas, daylilies, ligularias… Their flowering will complement that of the hedychiums beautifully! If you live in a region with a mild climate (elsewhere, you can grow it in a pot and bring it indoors for the winter), enjoy the superb flowering of Strelitzia reginae. For decorative, 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, lesser-known plants. Opt, for example, for Brugmansia, Roscoea, Lycoris aurea, Scadoxus… Not forgetting the elegant flowering of Crinum and Cardiocrinum. Your garden will be a source of wonder that will never cease to amaze you and surprise your loved ones, with uncommon flowering, original shapes and colours!

Finally, as Hedychiums appreciate soils that remain cool in summer, you can plant them near a pond, alongside ferns, Gunneras, ligularias, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)… This will create a fresh, natural atmosphere, an ideal garden spot for relaxation.

→ Discover other ideas for pairing with Hedychiums in our advice sheet !

Did you know?

• National emblem of Cuba

Species Hedychium coronarium, called Flor de Mariposa, is the national flower of Cuba, emblem of resistance to Spanish occupation. As Mariposa means ‘butterfly’ (alluding to the shape of the flowers), this Hedychium is sometimes called ‘butterfly ginger’.