Hedychium Collection - Ornamental Ginger Lilies

This Hedychium Collection is made up of: Hedychium coccineum 'Tara', Hedychium densiflorum, and Hedychium gardnerianum, large exotic perennials known as Ornamental Gingers or Longoses. These native plants to tropical regions of Asia, are renowned for their exotic appearance and ability to adapt to various climates. They are appreciated for their spectacular fragrant flowering from August to October, as well as their lush deciduous foliage in winter. These rhizomatous plants grow well in rich, moist-remaining soil throughout the growing season, but with good drainage. They thrive in full sun or partial shade. Stunning in large pots or in a tropical-inspired border.

The collection consists of:

1 x Hedychium coccineum 'Tara': this variety of ornamental ginger reaches a height of 1.20 m (4ft), with spikes of fragrant yellow-orange flowers. It is distinguished by its glaucous foliage and good frost resistance, down to -15°C (5°F) under a thick protective mulch.

1 x Hedychium densiflorum: reaching a height of 1.30 m (4ft), this species produces dense spikes of orange or yellow flowers. Its shiny green foliage provides an attractive visual contrast. Its stump can withstand temperatures down to -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F).

1 x Hedychium gardnerianum: with a height of up to 1.50 m (5ft), this species known as "Kahili Ginger" is characterised by its lightly yellow flowers with red stamens, which are highly fragrant, and its abundant dark green and glossy foliage. It is slightly frost-sensitive (-7°C (19.4°F)).

Individually labelled.

Planting should be done in March or April, in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil. These plants can be grown in borders or containers. For Hedychium coccineum 'Tara' and H. gardnerianum, maintain a spacing of 60 cm (24in) from other plants, while for Hedychium densiflorum, allow for 80 cm (32in) due to its potential height. Taller plants, such as Hedychium gardnerianum, should be placed in the background for optimal visual effect.

In the garden, a tropical-inspired border can be created by combining these ornamental gingers with Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue', a Chinese windmill palm, a Japanese banana tree, against a backdrop of giant cannas.