Hedychium gardnerianum
Kahili ginger
An erect rhizomatous perennial to 2m, with grey-green lance-shaped leaves and cylindrical racemes of fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers with prominent red stamens in late summer and early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Red White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Red White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Hedychium are rhizomatous perennials with erect, unbranched stems bearing two ranks of lance-shaped leaves, and dense terminal racemes of showy, often fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Nepal to Indo-China
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors, grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold winds and consider applying a deep mulch of garden compost or leafmould to protect the rhizomes in frost prone areas. In containers or under glass, use a peat-free, loam-based compost such as John Innes No 3 and grow on in bright indirect light
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 21-24°C (70-75°C) as soon as ripe. Divide rhizomes in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required other than cutting back the foliage and old flower spikes at the end of the season
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.