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FLOWER HEDYCHIUM greenii - LA FORET - Pépinière La Forêt

HEDYCHIUM greenii

Gingembre de l'Himalaya

An exotic, richly foliated, and brilliantly colored ginger — for tropical-style gardens or containers

Hedychium greenii, also known as red ginger lily, stands out with its lush foliage, reddish stems, and late-season fiery red-orange flowers. Compact and decorative, it is a choice species for tropical-inspired plantings, perennial borders, containers, or conservatories where color and texture are desired from mid to late season.

Approx. 1.0–1.2 m (H) × 0.6–0.8 m (W) in cultivation Deciduous rhizomatous perennial; upright to arching clumping stems
Deciduous — long, alternate, lance-shaped leaves Glossy dark green above, purplish-red underside (bicolor effect)
Full sun to light partial shade (bright conditions recommended)
from August to October Red-orange to deep salmon — orchid-like terminal blooms
Down to –10 to –12  with mulch and drainage protection °C
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Packaging POT11
To find out more about our packaging, please visit our young plants' page available from the website header.
Available quantity 2173 Dispo à partir de Immédiat Sold by min 10

Characteristics of Hedychium greenii

Hedychium greenii is a rhizomatous perennial from the Himalayan region, prized for its vibrant foliage and tropical appeal. Emerging from underground rhizomes each spring, it forms upright, leafy stems with decorative bicolor foliage — glossy green above and strikingly red-purple beneath.

Its flowering occurs late in the season, typically from August to October, with small yet showy spikes of orchid-like flowers in bright red-orange tones. The plant’s moderate height (1–1.2 m) makes it more manageable than taller ginger lilies, making it suitable for smaller spaces or container culture. It brings late-season color, vertical interest, and exotic structure even in temperate gardens.

How to use Hedychium greenii ?

This ginger is ideal for tropical-themed beds and borders : combine with ferns, bananas, cannas, and hostas for lush scenes ; Large containers or pots: perfect for patios, balconies, or winter protection in colder zones ; Pondside or moisture-retentive soils : tolerant of occasional summer moisture ; Vertical structure in perennial schemes : adds height and drama late in the season.

Even outside flowering periods, its contrasting bicolor foliage ensures ornamental value from spring to frost. In containers or garden beds, it adds both architectural presence and tropical flair.


Best practices for cultivating Hedychium greenii

Plant Hedychium greenii rhizomes in spring, after all risk of frost has passed, or in the ground once the soil has warmed up. Leave the growing point just below the soil surface.  Choose a location in full sun or light shade; a minimum amount of light is necessary to stimulate good growth and flowering. Choose fertile, humus-rich, cool but well-drained soil. A loamy or sandy texture, enriched with compost, is ideal. Keep the soil cool during the growing season, especially in summer. Beware of prolonged droughts, as moisture is important for good development.

Although hardy to around -10°C to -15°C, it is recommended to apply protective mulch (dead leaves, mature compost) to the rootstock in cold climates. Hedychium greenii is a clump-forming plant that can be divided every 2-3 years for regeneration. In case of frost, cut back the above-ground parts and keep the rhizome protected.

 

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