Consulta Plantas

Care of the rhizomatous plant Hedychium coccineum or Scarlet Ginger lily

The genus Hedychium, family Zingiberaceae, includes about 80 species of rhizomatous plants native to the Himalayas and tropical Asia. Some species are: Hedychium coccineum, Hedychium gardnerianum, Hedychium flavescens, Hedychium coronarium, Hedychium gracile, Hedychium chrysoleucum, Hedychium aureum, Hedychium ellipticum.

Common names: Scarlet Ginger lily, Red ginger lily, Orange ginger lily, Orange bottlebrush ginger. This species is native to China, India, the Himalayas and Indochina.

They are herbaceous plants of erect bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The large lanceolate leaves are shiny green. The attractive, scented flowers appear on long terminal spikes and can be red, orange, or yellow. They bloom in summer.

They are used in humid areas of the garden, on edges, in flowerbeds, along walls and in pots as indoor, greenhouse and terrace plants.

The Hedychium coccineum prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day or late in the afternoon; can grow in direct sun if summer is not too hot. They do not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil can be normal, well-drained garden soil that contains plenty of organic matter.

Water frequently throughout the year, especially in summer, and reduce watering in winter, preventing the substrate from drying out completely. They do not resist drought.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 15 days in summer and with compost at the end of winter.

Excess watering (never flooding) can cause fungal diseases. If they are grown indoors or in a greenhouse, they can be attacked by aphids and mites if the ventilation is not adequate.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in the greenhouse and by division also in spring.

Images of the rhizomatous plant Hedychium coccineum or Scarlet Ginger lily