Hedychium deceptum

Hedychium deceptum (formerly known as H. rubrum) is a large ornamental ginger with a spectacular flowering, thanks to its generosity and its flamboyant orange colour. This Indian botanical species easily blooms and its rootstock tolerates cold weather quite well, down to -10/-12°C in healthy soil. This allows it to be adopted in gardens in many regions. It is a large rhizomatous perennial plant that forms a clump of tall leafy stems, from which magnificent spike inflorescences emerge in late summer. An exceptional plant for amateurs and enthusiasts!

Hedychium deceptum is native to northeastern India, in the Assam region bordered by the Himalayas to the north and various mountain ranges to the south. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. This Hedychium produces fleshy rootstocks and leafy stems, forming a large clump that will reach approximately 1.50m (5ft) in height at maturity. The vegetation spreads laterally over time, forming large clumps, 1m (3ft) wide. In spring, the plant develops pseudo-trunks carrying long lanceolate leaves, shiny green in colour, very ornamental. It flowers in September in mild climates, and in autumn elsewhere. The inflorescence is composed of numerous small bright orange flowers, sometimes tinged with golden yellow, somewhat resembling those of Gauras with their compound structure of small petals surrounding protruding stamens. They attract many bees. The leaves, opposite, are arranged regularly on the stems. The plant disappears in autumn, cut back by frost, but regrows from the stump in spring.

Superb perennial plants to be used without moderation in exotic gardens, Hedychiums thrive in rich and deep soil, rather dry in winter, but moist to wet during the growing season, always well-drained. They also require a warm and sheltered location, as the flowers, all more or less fragrant, sometimes bloom late depending on the region. Moreover, their vegetation can be severely damaged by strong winds. In the garden, one can create a tropical-inspired massif, for example by combining Hedychium deceptum with a Chinese palm tree, a Japanese Banana Tree, with a backdrop of castor oil plant and giant Canna. In mild climates, the ornamental ginger will accompany the flowering of Abutilons, Cassia, Lantana, Brugmansia and other Daturas. In our cold regions, it can be cultivated like a Canna. It thrives when grown in a pot, as this plant likes to have its roots cramped. Moreover, in areas with severe frosts, Hedychium deceptum can be considered from November to March as a very beautiful conservatory or veranda plant, as it will retain its beautiful foliage there.