Hedychium which is also known as ginger lilies belong to Zinerberaceae family. These plants are very easy to grow if they are provided with all the necessities. Thses plants need shady place and moist soil to grow. If these plants are placed or planted under the full sun and in dry soil then these plants look curled by leaves till the sun passes over to them.
HedychiumHedychium plants natively belong to the areas where monsoon conditions are very good. These plants need to be watered for the whole season to get full and attractive growth. Moist soil is one of those essential needs of this plant which help it to sustain a life. These plants not only need moist soil but also plenty of good composted manure to make a good growth.
These plants look very similar to the canna plants but the flowers of both the plants look totally different. The flowers of hedychium plant can be seen in various sizes as they have different varieties. These flowers have very strong pleasant smell. The most commonly cultivated variety of hedychium is hedychium gardnerianum which is also called Kahili ginger. This is one of the most beautiful ginger lilies.
How to protect Hedychium from winter season
This plant needs special care in the winter season.
Trimming hedychium stemsHedychium
It would be good to trim hedychium stems with the help of secateurs. Leave some part of the stem above the ground to locate the plants’ position. This help in keeping the plant alive in winter season.
Clean the nearby area and remove any weeds if grown. You can also use weed seed free mulch for this purpose.
Spreading composted manure over the rhizomes
HedychiumSpreading manure helps in sustain a life for the plant till the next season. It provides nourishment to the plant.
Adding up insulation layer with composted bark
You can add a layer composted bark over the trimmed plant. This would work as low cost and effective insulation for the plant.
Dormancy breakupHedychium
You can spread a plastic sheet to cover the hedychium rhizomes so that frost may not touch them and this would keep the soil warm.
Spreading hedychium rhizomes