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Herbaceous Perennial

Hedychium spicatum

spiked ginger lily

An erect, rhizomatous perennial to 1.5m, with large, lance-shaped leaves to 80cm long. In late summer and autumn it produces a spike of exotic-looking, scented, white and orange flowers

Other common names
Himalayan spiked ginger
perfume ginger
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Orange Green
Autumn White Orange Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Under 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

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring; sow seed at 21-24°C as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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