Hedychium spicatum

RHS Plant Profile
spiked ginger lily
spiked ginger lily John Fielding

Other common names

Himalayan spiked ginger, perfume ginger

Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Zingiberaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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