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
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White Orange | Green | ||
Autumn | White Orange | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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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