Hedychium

The Ginger Lilies are a family of plants from southern and eastern Asia where they grow on the margins of open woodland. A beautiful and dramatic plant with strong upright stems, large stem-clasping leaves and sweetly scented flowers. The flower spikes appear in late summer, often orange or white and with long and brightly coloured stamens. They are therefore happiest in a moist, (but not sodden,) rich soil and some light shade. They have fleshy rhizomes – think ginger roots – and while some are relatively hardy, others are more tender, so for many gardens, a heavy winter mulch seems to be sufficient protection but depending on conditions. The rhizomes may need to be lifted, stored over winter and started into growth indoors before planting out in the spring.