Hedychium

Hardy ginger (Hedychium) is a genus of around 80 tropical to subtropical herbaceous perennials in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) native to Asia. The genus name is compounded from the Greek meaning “sweet snow” and references the very fragrant white flowers of the type species, butterfly ginger (H. coronarium).

These plants prefer moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils in full sun or partial or dappled shade. They do not tolerate standing water or continuously wet soil. Some species can survive down to zone 7B with a thick, protective layer of mulch in the winter. Alternatively, the rhizomes can be dug and stored in a cool basement or garage over winter and replanted in the spring. They can also be grown in containers, which can be brought indoors in cold weather. These plants will remain evergreen in a warm greenhouse or conservatory.

Hardy gingers grow from thick rhizomes, similar to the rhizomes of culinary ginger, but these are not used in cooking. These plants can grow 3 to 6 feet tall and form a clump 2 to 3 feet wide. They have tropical-looking foliage, and the flowers of some species are very fragrant, blooming in summer. Several types of hardy ginger are used for essential oil production. Hedychium coccineum is an excellent late-season nectar source for hummingbirds. They tend to be ignored by deer.

Use in groups, borders or containers for a tropical look. They would be at home in an Asian garden, children’s garden, shade garden, rain garden or pollinator garden. They make excellent conservatory plants.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Scale and spider mites can be troublesome, especially indoors. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.