About
A rhizomatous perennial to 1.5m tall, forming a clump of upright stems and large, broadly lance-shaped leaves to 50cm long. In late summer it produces exotic-looking, scented, spidery white flowers with orange stamens.
About the genus
Hedychium are rhizomatous perennials with erect, unbranched stems bearing two ranks of lance-shaped leaves, and dense terminal racemes of showy, often fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun in warm and sheltered site. Provide a deep, dry winter mulch. Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light. Water freely in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks; water sparingly in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division of rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free