PerennialsHedychium gardnerianum
Ginger Lily
The ginger lily is an imposing tropical perennial with broad, lance-shaped leaves along tall stems, crowned by large spikes of bright yellow, wonderfully fragrant flowers from August to October. The sweet, exotic scent carries far through the garden atmosphere. With protection the rhizome overwinters in temperate climates.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Water
- High
- Height
- 100–200 cm
- Spread
- 60–100 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 7–11
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- butterflies, bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade or full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during growth. Feed fortnightly in the growing season. Cover the root zone in autumn with a thick layer of mulch or straw. In cold areas, lift rhizomes and store frost-free.
Pruning tips
Cut spent flower stems at the base. Remove dead foliage in autumn. The plant returns from the rhizome in spring. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.
Good companions
PerennialsMusa basjoo
Japanese Banana
The Japanese banana is the hardiest banana species in the world and brings a truly tropical feel to the garden with its enormous, fan-shaped leaves. The plant can reach up to four metres tall and grows at astonishing speed. The above-ground parts die back in winter, but the roots survive temperatures down to -15°C and reshoot vigorously in spring.
Bulbs & tubersCanna indica
Indian Shot
Indian shot is a spectacular tuberous plant with large, banana-like leaves and striking flowers in fiery red, orange or yellow from July until the first frost. The plant brings an exotic, tropical look to borders and patios and combines beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late bloomers.
PerennialsStrelitzia reginae
Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a striking tropical plant with sturdy, blue-green, banana-like leaves and spectacular flowers resembling the head of an exotic bird. The blooms combine vivid orange sepals with sky-blue petals and appear almost year-round. An architectural showpiece as a container plant.