About
Hedychium gardnerianum, Kahili ginger, is an erect, rhizomatous perennial to 2 m with grey-green, lance-shaped leaves and cylindrical racemes of scented, lemon-yellow flowers with prominent, scarlet stamens from late summer to early autumn. One of the most striking and widely grown ginger lilies for a sheltered, moist, sunny border or heated conservatory.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toNepal to Indo-China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold winds and consider applying a deep mulch of garden compost or leafmould to protect the rhizomes in frost prone areas. In containers or under glass, use a peat-free, loam-based compost such as John Innes No 3 and grow on 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 (70-75°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