Also known as Ginger Lily · 101 saves
Hedychium
Hedychium, the genus most gardeners know as ginger lily. We track 17 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 17 most-saved Hedychium varieties
3 species of Hedychium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hedychium in Sow
Save the Hedychium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hedychium
Whats common across all Hedychium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 17 most-grown of them.
The Hedychium year
- FertilizeMay–August94% of varieties
Apply a balanced, high-potash fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growth
- Winter PrepOctober and November76% of varieties
Apply a thick 6-8 inch layer of mulch over the rhizomes for winter protection
- PlantApril and May65% of varieties
Plant rhizomes horizontally 1-2 inches deep after the last frost
- DivideMarch and April53% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March35% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stalks to the ground before new growth starts
- Lift & StoreOctober35% of varieties
Lift rhizomes after first frost blackens foliage; store cool and dry
Do
- Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
What goes wrong with Hedychium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use neem oil organic solution |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Rhizome rot | Soft, decayed rhizomes | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide |
Making more Hedychium
Rhizome division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Divide rhizomes with a sharp knife into sections.
- Plant divisions 2 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and keep moist for 2 weeks.
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering.
- Sow on surface of moist seed-starting mix.
- Cover lightly and keep in warm, bright location.
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks.
Hedychium questions
How many types of Hedychium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 17 distinct Hedychium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 101 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hedychium grow in?
Across its varieties, Hedychium covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hedychium bloom?
Most Hedychium varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hedychium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.