Hedychium densiflorum Assam Orange

Hedychium densiflorum 'Assam Orange', sometimes called longose, is an ornamental ginger that is both flowering, colourful, easy to grow and relatively hardy. This variety tolerates cold weather quite well. This superb rhizomatous perennial forms a clump of leafy stems that spreads quite rapidly from spring onwards. Its flowers, a beautiful bright orange, are tightly packed in spikes and continue to bloom until October. A plant that will delight enthusiasts of exoticism and unique plants!

Hedychium densiflorum 'Assam Orange' is a horticultural creation. Its wild ancestor is a species from the eastern Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim), which sometimes grows at altitudes of over 2800m (9186ft), in monsoon-watered forests, in partial shade, on rocky slopes bordering river valleys and on rocky riverbanks. All Hedychiums belong to the Zingiberaceae family. This 'Assam Orange' selection produces numerous very fleshy rhizomes, which often emerge or even protrude from the ground. With fairly rapid growth, this plant will reach a height of about 1m (3ft) at maturity (sometimes 1.50m (5ft)), spreading laterally over time to form large clumps ranging from 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) wide. Vegetation generally emerges from the ground in April. They are slender pseudo-trunks bearing long sword-shaped leaves, pointed at their tips, dark green in colour, and very ornamental. Flowering begins in late July in mild climates, and is slightly later elsewhere. The dense inflorescence, which can reach up to 15cm (6in) in height, is composed of numerous tiny flowers packed tightly together. They attract many bees. The leaves, opposite, are arranged regularly. The plant disappears in autumn, cut back by frost, but regrows from the base in spring.

These superb perennial plants can be used without moderation in exotic gardens. Hedychiums like a rich and deep soil, rather dry in winter but moist to wet during the growing season. They also require a warm, sheltered exposure, as the flowers, all more or less fragrant, sometimes bloom late depending on the region. Additionally, their foliage can be easily damaged by wind. In the garden, you can create a tropical-inspired flowerbed, for example by combining Hedychium densiflorum 'Assam Orange' with a Chinese palm tree, a Japanese banana tree, against a background of castor bean plants and giant Canna plants. In mild climates, this ornamental ginger will accompany the flowering of Abutilons, Cassia, Lantana, Brugmansia, and other Daturas. In colder regions, it can be grown like a Canna. It is well-suited for container cultivation, as this plant appreciates having its roots restricted. Moreover, in areas with severe frost, 'Assam Orange' Hedychium will be considered from November to March as a very beautiful conservatory or veranda plant, as it will retain its beautiful foliage there.