Hedychium ellipticum - Ginger Lily

The Hedychium ellipticum, also known as the Shaving Brush Ginger, is one of the most interesting ornamental gingers for its high ornamental value, the clove-like scent of its flowering, and its relative hardiness. This large rhizomatous plant forms a sheathed stem with beautiful leaves resembling those of a banana tree, and round, spider-like inflorescences, white, adorned with long orange stamens. An exceptional plant for passionate and patient enthusiasts!

The Hedychium ellipticum, native to the eastern Himalayas (Nepal), belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. According to some authors, there seem to be different ecotypes of this species widely distributed at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1800 m (1968 to 5905ft). Some being hardier, others showing greater development depending on their habitat. At maturity, this rhizomatous plant with rather slow growth will form a tall clump, 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35in) wide, consisting of leafy stems that can grow over 1m (3ft) in height depending on the geographic origin of the plant and the growing conditions. The leaves of this Hedychium are lanceolate, green to dark green, relatively wide for the genus, and measure up to about 30-40 cm (12-16in) in length. The stems and the edge of the leaf sheath are red-green in color. Flowering occurs in September in mild climates, and in autumn elsewhere. The inflorescence, which can measure up to 10 cm (4in) in height, is composed of numerous small white flowers, sometimes fragrant, resembling those of gauras in their structure composed of small petals surrounding prominent stamens, 7 cm (3in) long. They attract many bees. The leaves, opposite, are arranged somewhat in a fishbone pattern. The plant disappears in autumn, but regrows from the stump in spring.

Grow ornamental gingers in large pots in areas where winter frosts are severe, by planting 3 plants in a 25 cm (10in) pot. The Hedychium ellipticum can still withstand winter temperatures of around -6 to -10°C (21.2 to 14°F), provided it is given winter protection at the stump. It can be grown without particular difficulties in coastal areas, for example. In the garden, a tropical-inspired bed can be created by combining the Hedychium ellipticum with a Chinese palm tree, a Japanese banana tree, against a backdrop of giant cannas. In mild climates, ornamental ginger can accompany the flowering of abutilons, cassias, lantanas, brugmansias, or even the lesser-known Iochroma cyaneum.