Hedychium villosum var. tenuiflorum

Hedychium villosum var. tenuiflorum is a small-sized ornamental ginger that will charm enthusiasts with its bamboo-like appearance and its autumnal flowering, both faithful and delicate. This species, which prefers partial shade and is often epiphytic in its native Asian mountains, develops multiple stems with rather elongated, narrow leaves that persist throughout the frost-free winter. Its spider-like flowers, white with red bracts, are arranged in graceful spikes.  Not very hardy, this variety can nevertheless be easily cultivated in a conservatory, in a humus-rich, moist, but well-draining growing medium. In favourable climates, it makes for a delightful exotic undergrowth plant.

Hedychium villosum var. tenuiflorum is native to the mountainous regions of Vietnam, China, northeastern India, Thailand and Malaysia. Like all ornamental gingers, it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a herbaceous plant that grows from a fleshy rhizome. The aerial vegetation theoretically persists in winter, but disappears as soon as it freezes. The rhizome can withstand brief frosts of around -7 to -10 °C if well protected, giving rise to new shoots the following spring. The underground rhizome produces several slender stems each year, bearing lanceolate leaves that are fairly dark green and somewhat reminiscent of certain bamboos. The clump gradually expands year after year, reaching about 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in all directions. Its inflorescences generally appear in November, depending on the climate. They are ellipsoid in shape. The flowers are tubular and white in colour, emerging from reddish bracts. 

Hedychium villosum var. tenuiflorum is ideal for adding a touch of exoticism and lushness to a garden that is well protected from the whims of the weather. Planted in partial shade, alongside other Hedychiums and Colocasias, the effect of being transported elsewhere will be guaranteed! It will also find its place in a large pot on the terrace, in a semi-shaded position and in soil that remains moist. The pot should be brought indoors in autumn to enjoy its flowering, which continues until December. Some landscapers also use it in vertical gardens.