Hedychium gardnerianum - Kahili Ginger

Hedychium gardnerianum, also known as the ginger lily or Kahili ginger, is the most widely cultivated ornamental ginger in the world, far beyond its native Himalayas. This opulent rhizomatous species captivates amateur gardeners of exotic plants with its beautiful, luxuriant foliage, as well as its superbly fragrant late summer flowering: its long floral spikes compose a magnificent column of pale yellow, sometimes orange, spider-like flowers, enhanced by long bright red stamens. A very beautiful plant for the terrace or the surroundings of a water feature in mild climates. 

Hedychium gardnerianum, native to Nepal, the Himalayas and Bhutan, naturally grows in marshy areas, under mild temperate or tropical climates. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a slightly hardy species, deciduous in winter, tolerating brief periods of frost, down to -7°C. At maturity, this plant with thick, tough rhizome and rather slow growth will form a tall clump, 1.50m (5ft) high and 80-90cm (32-35in) wide in our climates (or when grown in a container). It is composed of leafy canes with lanceolate, green to dark green, alternate leaves that are wide, solid and sheathing. Flowering takes place in August-September in mild climates, and in autumn elsewhere. The very long-lasting inflorescence, which can reach up to 15cm (6in) in length, is composed of numerous small flowers in a soft yellow to orange colour, pleasantly scented. They somewhat resemble those of Gauras with their structure composed of small petals surrounding prominent bright red stamens, 7cm (3in) long. They attract many bees.  The plant disappears in autumn, but regrows from the stump in spring. 

Hedychium gardnerianum is considered, in Reunion or Hawaii, as an invasive evergreen plant, the equivalent of Buddleja which colonizes dune areas in our regions. In colder climates, this is not a risk. Cultivate it in large pots or in the ground only in regions protected from severe frost. In the garden, one can create a tropical-inspired flower bed, for example by associating Hedychium gardnerianum with a Chinese palm tree, a Japanese banana tree, against a backdrop of giant Canna. In mild climates, the Tara ginger lily will accompany the flowering of Abutilons, Cassia, Lantana, Brugmansia, or even the lesser-known Iochroma cyaneum.