About
Hedychium densiflorum, the dense ginger lily, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with erect stems to 1.5 m and glossy, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves 30�40 cm long. In late summer, dense, cylindrical spikes to 20 cm carry perfumed, orange or yellow flowers. One of the hardiest 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal
Native toNepal, E Himalaya
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold winds and apply a deep mulch of garden compost or leafmould to protect the rhizomes in frost prone areas. Under glass use a peat-free, loam-based compost and grow in bright, indirect light
PruningNo pruning required other than cutting back the foliage and old flower spikes at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate by seed at 21-24°C as soon as ripe. Divide rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free