| ||
|
|
| |
|
Available now
|
Hedychium coccineum Description: Stems grow to 6ft tall and more and remain evergreen in winter. Old stems which have flowered remain on the clump for a year or two and then wither off. New growths come up in spring from the most prominent eye of the rhizome. There is a wide range of variation both in vegetative and floral characteristics in this species. Some have narrow leaves, some have broad leaves, some have leaves with a reddish tinge on the back. The flowers too range in colour from red to orange- red. The new growths grow fast throughout spring and early summer and around August the magnificent red inflorescence opens up. The flowers attract a particular species of butterfly which feeds on its nectar and helps in the pollination and seed setting. Habitat: Known from Nepal eastwards through the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas and Northeast India and Bhutan.
| |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium coronarium This perennial white ginger comes from Asia and the Himalayas. It regrows every year from its strong rhizome, like other species of the ginger family. The annual stems will grow to five or six feet high, the leaves are elongated, two feet long. The inflorescences are born as dense flower heads, pure white and wonderfuly fragrant. The white ginger enjoys heat and humidity, growing in wet areas, even on rather poor soils, but will of course beneficiate in cultivation of some fertile compost. It will stand a semi-shaded position but will flower better if grown in sunny place. A winter rest is essential, at which time only the rhizome will remain, which water needs are obviously very low as leafless. Watering will have to start again as the heat builds on, the plant being partial to water | |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium densiflorum Description: A rather short growing species the thin stems grow up to 4ft tall. It flowers in summer with its brilliant yellow inflorescence. In autumn the stems die down and the rhizomes remain dormant throughout winter. Habitat: Eastern Himalayas to Northeast India. Found growing on shaded mud banks and also on rocks. The rhizomes are not buried under ground but grow on the surface of the rocks and on the ground. Seasonal grasses and leaf litter cover the rhizomes providing rich nutrients and shade. The roots form a dense mat on the rock/ground surface. | |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium ellipticum Description: Stout growing species with broad, deep green leaves ribbed on the surface. Stems grow to about 4ft tall. Edges of leaf base that clasps the stem are distinctly coloured red. Dormant in winter. Rhizomes remain underground. The showy flowers are produced in summer. Habitat: Native of Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India found growing on shaded mud slopes. The stems grow upwards and when mature, lean outwards thereby displaying the flower clear of the leaves. Ethnobotany: Not known | |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium flavescens Description: A very strong growing plant with the current years growth remaining on the clump. Older growths dry out in winter. Summer flowering with beautiful lemon yellow blooms that are very fragrant. The flower color is more intense in shade. In bright light conditions the color tends to wash out in a day or two. Habitat: Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. Found growing in damp localities. Ethnobotany: Not known | |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium garnderianum (known in the horticultural world as Kahili Ginger) Description: This is surely the most magnificent species of Hedychium in cultivation. It blooms in summer on very tall stems up to 6ft. tall and the inflorescence itself can grow to over 12 inches in length. Stem, underside of leaf and floral bracts powdery white. This is another Hedychium species where the stems do not die down in winter though it undergoes a period of dormancy. Current years stem growth carries on to the next year. Habitat: Nepal, Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. found growing on shaded woodland and steep banks along roadsides growing along with grasses and low bush. Found growing in higher elevations often in areas subject to winter frost and the occasional snowfall. Ethnobotany: Not known
| |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium " Gold Spot" Description: We are not sure of the identity of this species/clone. In vegetative and floral characteristics it looks exactly like the common Hedychium coronarium. However, the throat of the lip is marked with a brilliant orange color. Flowers in summer and is a strong grower Habitat: We have not ascertained its origin. We have propagated this variety from collections obtained from private gardens. Ethnobotany: Not known | |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium greenii This is an evergreen clump forming perennial ginger with strong foliage and bright red scented flower spikes in late summer. This Ginger Lily is hardy in the south of England and can be kept outdoors without lifting, as long as it is in a sheltered position . A winter mulch is apreciated by this Ginger lily and will ensure flowering before autumn. Given some protection this ginger will remain evergreen through the winter months and flowering will be earlier. A stunning plant for both foliage and flower deliciously scented when in flower. | |
| ||
|
Available now
|
Hedychium spicatum Description: Stems grow to about 4 ft tall with rather thin leaves. Winter dormant. The stems die down in late autumn. Those bearing seed capsules remain green till seeds are ripe around the middle of winter. Some plants exhibit a marked red/brown tinge on the back of the leaves and the intensity of the colouration varies. Flowers in summer Habitat: Nepal, Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan and Northeast India. Ethnobotany: rhizomes used for medicine NOTE: This species is currently prohibited by Government of India for export. A special nursery cultivated certificate is to be obtained for export documentation. Procedure has not been finalised yet.
| |
|
Available now
|
Hedychium thyrsiforme Plant size: Stems grow to about 5 ft tall and are stout with rather broad leaves. Growth restricted in winter. Old stems do not die off though new growths are not apparent till early spring. This species is the last to start blooming in late summer and well into autumn or even early winter. Habitat: Nepal, Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan and Northeast India Ethnobotany: Not known | |
Copyright (c) 2005 The Pot and Grass Company. All rights reserved.
Text & Photographs courtesy of Ganesh Mani Pradhan & Son