About
Hedychium coccineum, the red ginger lily, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 2 m or more with lance-shaped leaves to 20 cm. In late summer and early autumn, erect, terminal racemes carry perfumed, scarlet, tubular flowers with long, prominent red stamens. One of the most vividly coloured of all ginger lilies for a sheltered, moist, sunny border.
About the genus
Hedychium, the ginger lilies, are rhizomatous perennials with erect, unbranched stems bearing two ranks of lance-shaped leaves and dense, terminal racemes of showy, often fragrant, butterfly-like flowers in white, yellow, orange, red or pink. Grown in sheltered, moist, sunny borders or heated conservatories.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toHimalaya
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, with shelter from cold winds. Protect in winter with deep a mulch. Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost in bright indirect light. Provide moderate humidity and good ventilation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite and aphids under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free