Hedychium Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 17th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ growing guide, we'll explore cultivating Hedychium plants in gardens, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Ginger Lily, Garland Flower, & Butterfly Lily: Cultivation & Garden Use

Hedychium is a genus of half hardy Perennials usually grown as annuals in the garden.

They come into bloom in the summer, and typically reach a height of 60 cm to 6 m (2 to 20 feet).

Hedychium coronarium - Butterfly Ginger Lily by Mauroguanandi.

They have spiky flowers of orange, red, white or yellow. These may often be bi-colored. Plants have broad lance like leaves.

Hedychium are very fragrant plants, and are best grown where their smell can be appreciated, they are also great for use in borders.

Some of the more common names for Hedychium species include Ginger Lily, Butterfly lily, and Garland Lily.

How to grow Ginger Lily and other Hedychium

Hedychium plants can be sown outside at the beginning of spring before the last frost. Simply cover the seed with a light dusting of topsoil.

They prefer to grow in an area of the garden that is sunny, and has very good drainage. Ideally use a moist Humus rich soil.

If you prefer to first start your Ginger lilies as seedlings indoors, then they should be started about two months before they are due to be transplanted in the garden - a few weeks after the last frost of spring.

Hedychium seeds should be soaked for two hours in warm water prior to sowing. They should take about three or four weeks to germinate when kept at about 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F).

When ready, the young plants should be put out in the garden using a spacing of about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 inches) apart.

Hedychium Plant Care

Plants will require regular watering. Once the flowering season is over cut back the flowering stems to the ground.

If growing as a perennial, then the rhizomes should be brought inside to over-winter in cold areas.

Further Hedychium plants can be germinated through division of their rhizomes (make sure that each section contains an eye) at the end of winter.

Commonly Grown Hedychium Species

Hedychium coronarium

Hedychium coronarium, commonly known as white ginger lily, is a perennial plant native to the Himalayas.

It ihas fragrant, white flowers. This plant is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Hedychium coronarium (White garland-lily / White ginger lily / Indian garland flower), photograph by Dinesh Valke; CC.

Hedychium coronarium White Butterfly Ginger, picture by Megan Hansen; CC.

Hedychium gardnerianum

Hedychium gardnerianum, is more commonly known as the Kahili ginger. It is a perennial plant native to the Himalayas. It displays large yellow flowers. Unfortunately, it is considered invasive in many regions.

Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili ginger / Kahila Garland Lily), Image by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

Hedychium longicornutum

This is a lesser-known species of the ginger lily family. Hedychium longicornutum features elongated, horn-like structures on its flowers. These differentiate it from other Hedychium plant species.

Hedychium longicornutum (Hornbill's Ginger), photograph by Raul654; CC 3.0.

Hedychium coccineum

Commonly known as the Scarlet ginger lily or Red ginger lily, Hedychium coccineum is a perennial plant native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. It has striking, red-orange flowers. These plants are often grown for its ornamental value.

Hedychium coccineum (Red ginger lily Cultivar 'Tara'), photograph by Esin Üstün; CC.

Hedychium Gardnerianum by Jeff Kubina.

Common Questions

How many members does the Hedychium genus have?

The Hedychium genus is composed of about 70-80 species.

Do Hedychium make for a good garden or landscaping plant?

Members of the Hedychium plant genus are good garden plants. They are mainly grown for their showy flowers and fragrant scent.

Which Hedychium species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Hedychium coronarium, the White ginger lily, is a popular choice for gardeners due to its fragrant, attractive flowers.

Are members of the Hedychium plant genus fragrant?

Yes, many species within the Hedychium genus are known for their strong, pleasant fragrance, particularly the White ginger lily mentioned above.

What is the perfect location to grow Hedychium?

Hedychium plants prefer a sunny to partly shaded location in the garden. This should have a well-draining, fertile soil. They will also need a warm climate, or grow then in containers in cooler regions.

Are Hedychium plants invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

White ginger lily is considered to be invasive in many parts of the southern USA, particularly in Florida and Hawaii.

How do I remove Hedychium plants from my garden?

To remove Hedychium plants, dig up the entire plant, including its root system. This should help to prevent regrowth. If it is an invasive species in your area, then dispose of all materials responsibly. It may require repeated removals, or the use of a herbicide.

Summary

The Hedychium plant genus, commonly known as the ginger lilies, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. Originating from Asia (particularly the Himalayas) they are admired for their fragrant, showy flowers and attractive foliage. Popularly grown species include Hedychium coronarium and Hedychium gardnerianum.

Plant your Hedychium in the late spring or early summer. Use a location that receives partial to full sun that has a well-drained, rich soil. Plants require regular watering, especially in dry conditions. They do best in warmer climates. Further plants can be propagated through division of the rhizomes.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Hedychium plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Lily, Roses, and Roscoea plants.