Hedychium densiflorum

Hedychium densiflorum is one of the hardiest ornamental gingers. This high-altitude Himalayan botanical species tolerates cold weather fairly well, down to -10 to -12°C (14 to 10.4°F) in healthy soil, making it suitable for gardens in many regions. This superb rhizomatous perennial forms a dense clump of tall leafy stems from spring onwards, which adds to the landscape even when not in bloom, revealing itself in late summer with dense spikes of yellow-orange flowers. An exceptional plant for passionate and patient gardeners!

Hedychium densiflorum, native to the eastern Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim), can be found at altitudes of over 2800m (9186ft), in monsoon-watered forests, in partial shade, on rocky slopes bordering river valleys and on rocky riverbanks. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It produces numerous fleshy rhizomes, which often surface or emerge from the ground. This species is of moderate stature and is sometimes slow to establish. It will reach about 1.3m (4ft) in height at maturity, spreading laterally over time to form large clumps up to 1m (3ft) wide. The plant develops slender pseudostems in April, bearing long sword-shaped leaves with pointed tips. They are dark green and highly ornamental. Flowering occurs in September in mild climates, and in autumn elsewhere. The dense inflorescence, which can reach up to 15cm (6in) in height, is composed of numerous small, yellow-orange flowers, somewhat resembling those of gauras with their compound structure of small petals surrounding protruding stamens, 7cm (3in) long. They attract many bees. The opposite leaves are arranged in a fishbone pattern. The plant disappears in autumn, cut back by frost, but regenerates from the stump in spring.

Hedychiums are superb perennial plants to be used without moderation in exotic gardens. They thrive in rich and deep soil that is preferably dry in winter but moist to wet during the growing season. They also require a warm and sheltered location, as the fragrant flowers bloom late in our gardens. In warmer regions, they may appear as early as August. In the garden, you can create a tropical-inspired bed, for example, by combining Hedychium densiflorum with a Chinese palm or a Japanese banana tree, against a backdrop of giant cannas. In mild climates, the ornamental ginger can accompany the flowering of abutilons, cassias, lantanas, brugmansias, or even the trumpets of the lesser-known Iochroma cyaneum. It thrives in container cultivation, as this plant likes to have its roots confined. Moreover, in areas with severe frost, Hedychium densiflorum makes a beautiful orangery or conservatory plant. It will retain is beautiful foliage in such a setting, remaining attractive from November to March.