Hedychium yunnanense - Ginger Lily

The Hedychium yunnanense is a magnificent autumn-flowering species, cream yellow in colour.

Native to China, specifically the province of Yunnan, the Hedychium yunnanense is a mountainous species.

A species with a rhizomatous rootstock, the Hedychium produces strong, slender, yet flexible stems in spring, which bear short and wide, slightly fishbone-like opposite leaves along their entire length.

In late summer, the plant produces cream yellow flowers on the tips of its stems, which are very graceful and reach a height of 1m (3ft)-1.20m (4ft).

In warm regions, it is likely that the flowers will appear as early as August; however, in central Europe, the flowering period is usually in late summer. Hedychiums grow slowly, forming majestic and spectacular clumps with the help of their powerful underground rhizomes.

The Hedychium yunnanense is hardier than one might think and can withstand cold and humid winters with winter protection applied in late November, such as 30-40cm (12-16in) of dead leaves covering the stump, which is enough to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F).

Plant it in rich, light, and moist soil. It prefers full sun or partial shade and requires plenty of warmth to flower properly. Pair it with hostas, Begonia grandis, rodgersias, etc.