About

An erect herbaceous perennial with stems to 2m in height, bearing lance-shaped leaves 30-40cm in length. aromatic orange flowers with prominent darker orange stamens are borne in dense terminal racemes up to 25cm in length from late summer.

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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Choose a warm position sheltered from cold winds and give a deep winter mulch. An alternative is to grow it in a large container on a warm, sunny patio and to overwinter indoors or under glass
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free