Ginger lilies, now more rare, not hard to grow

Press, 19 January 1979, Page 6

Ginger lilies, now more rare, not hard to grow

Common names ean be most confusing sometimes. One of the most baffling (to ine) occurred when information was sought on a shrub firmly referred to as “kisses in the dark.” Eventually I found put that it WaS a ceanotnus but I would still like to know the origin of such a name.

After having recently had a more simple task of co-relating Hedychiurh with “ginger bread plant” I thought that there may be some wider interest in it and a' few notes would be appropriate. Ginger lilies are not So widely grown today as they once were add this is reflected in the offerings by plant retailers. However, I recall seeing them growing as garden escapes

in various places on the West Coast so there is an opportunity.

Despite their natural occurrence mainly in India and tropical parts of Asia these plants can be grown quite generally; as such they make a useful contribution to the garden scene.

The majority of the species develop luxuriant foliage, rather reminiscent of callas, and flower for a considerable period in the autumn. The flowers appear on tall cylindrical spikes and most of them are' very pleasantly scented.

Plants are grown from rhizdmatous roots which quickly multiply under suitable conditions. Preference is for good soil with plenty of moisture

throughout the summer and autumn.

They are suggested for growing ,in partial shade but the first goad frost will normally blacken the foliage which can cut down to ground level either at this stage or as soon as flowering is over. The quality of blooms can best be maintained if existing clumps of plants are lifted and divided every three to four years. This task is best done in winter, at which time rhizomes should be cut up with a sharp knife, leaving at least one good bud to each portion. Hedychium can also be raised from seed which germinates with little, trouble. Seedlings usually flower in their second year.

One of the most common species is Hedychium Flavum which bears orange and yellow blooms. H. coronarium also goes by the name of garland flower and butterfly flower; this is possibly the most generally grown of them all. It is very fragrant and has broad flowers which are predominantly white tinged yellow on the lower parts, with yellow filaments.

H. cocCineum is a denser, taller growing species with brick red flowers and large red filaments. H. gardnerianum Is of the other extreme —

small growing but very fragrant with brilliant yellow flowers which have protruding scarlet filaments.