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Hedychium spp.

garland lillies

Zingiberaceae Tropical and subtropical Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Hedychium spp. is a genus of about 70-80 species of rhizomatous perennials in the ginger family, native to tropical and subtropical Asia and the Himalayas. Plants form clumps of upright, leafy, cane-like stems 1-3 m (3-10 ft) tall, with two ranks of broad, lance-shaped leaves 20-60 cm (8-24 in) long. The flowers are carried in dense terminal spikes and open in succession; each bloom has a long floral tube, slender petals, and a prominent protruding stamen, in shades of white, cream, yellow, orange, or red. Many species are strongly scented in the evening, the trait behind the common names garland lily and ginger lily. Flowering is followed by capsules that split to reveal seeds in bright orange-red arils. Species grow in forest clearings, moist slopes, and streambanks, spreading by thick rhizomes. Some species spread aggressively and have naturalised as invasive plants in Hawaii, New Zealand, and other warm regions. Garden forms of H. coronarium and H. gardnerianum are widely grown.

Native Range

Hedychium spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, from India and the Himalayas through southern China and Southeast Asia to Indonesia. Species grow in moist forest, on shaded slopes, and along streams, some as epiphytes at higher elevations.

Suggested Uses

Hedychium spp. is planted in tropical-style borders, near patios and paths where the evening scent carries, and in large containers in cooler climates. The bold foliage suits screening and poolside planting in frost-free gardens. Where winters are mild, clumps spread to fill space and need room to expand.

How to Identify

Identify Hedychium spp. by its tall, leafy, cane-like stems with leaves in two opposite ranks and its dense terminal flower spike. Each flower has a long thin tube, narrow petals, a broad lip, and a single long protruding stamen. The ginger-like rhizome and evening scent separate it from true lilies.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 10'

Width/Spread2' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Most species flower from midsummer into autumn, roughly July-October, with individual spikes opening over two to three weeks. Many open in the evening and release scent overnight. In frost-free climates some species flower over a longer season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, yellow, orange, or red

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Hedychium spp. grows in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Plants need ample water and feeding during active summer growth and a soil pH around 5.5-7.0. In zones colder than about USDA 8, the rhizomes are damaged by hard frost and are lifted and stored, or grown in containers moved under cover; in mild zones they are mulched and left in place. Top growth dies back after frost and regrows from the rhizome in spring. Clumps spread steadily and are divided in spring to control size.

Pruning

Spent flower spikes are cut out after blooming to keep clumps tidy. Frost-damaged or dead stems are cut to the ground in late autumn or early spring. Dividing the rhizomes in spring limits spread and renews vigour.