Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium — Suckering

Overview

Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Hedychium, part of the Zingiberaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and coastal.

About

Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium is a cultivar of the Hedychium genus, which comprises rhizomatous perennials with upright, unbranched stems and two rows of lanceolate leaves. This deciduous, suckering herbaceous perennial thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil, including chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects, it is hardy to UK zone H2 and is well-suited to cottage, informal, city, courtyard, and coastal gardens. It flowers in spring and summer, producing dense clusters of trumpet-shaped, often fragrant flowers at the stem tops.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hedychium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2

Plant details

Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Suckering
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium

Propagation: Propagate by seed at 21-24°C (70-75°C) as soon as ripe. Divide rhizomes in spring
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids under glass
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium?

Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium need?

Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium hardy in the UK?

Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.

How do I propagate Hedychium coccineum var. angustifolium?

Propagate by seed at 21-24°C (70-75°C) as soon as ripe. Divide rhizomes in spring.

More in the Hedychium genus

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