About
Hedychium spicatum, the spiked ginger lily, is an erect, rhizomatous perennial to 1.5 m with large, lance-shaped leaves to 80 cm. In late summer and autumn it produces a spike of exotic-looking, scented, white and orange flowers � a beautiful and rewarding ginger lily 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toS Asia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright indirect light. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid feed weekly. In winter keep just moist and remove old stems as they deteriorate. Outdoors grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold winds. Cut back stems when frost blackens the foliage and apply a deep, dry winter mulch
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes in spring; sow seed at 21-24°C as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free