How to Grow Ginger Lily
Hedychium gardnerianum
Half Hardy Warm Season
Ginger Lily is a half-hardy rhizomatous perennial grown for its towering, intensely fragrant flower spikes in late summer. Plant rhizomes in rich, moisture-retentive soil in a sheltered, sunny spot after the last frost. Water freely and feed fortnightly through the growing season. In mild areas, mulch heavily after the first frost to protect the crown; in colder gardens, lift and store rhizomes frost-free over winter.
When to Start
Plant directly outdoors once soil temperature reaches 12°C. No seed starting needed — grow from bulbs, tubers, or sets.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Flowering
~95 days Seed to harvest ~95 days
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from late spring until buds show, then switch to a high-potash feed until flowering ends.
- Hedychium thrives in sheltered spots with rich, moisture-retentive soil. The powerfully fragrant flower spikes emerge in late summer and last well into autumn. Established clumps benefit from division every 3–4 years to keep them vigorous.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
Pet Safety
Don't know your frost date? Find it here
- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 75 cm |
| Row spacing | 90 cm |
| Mature height | 180 cm |
| Mature spread | 100 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Ginger Lily?
- Plant Ginger Lily 75cm apart with 90cm between rows.
- When does Ginger Lily flower?
- Ginger Lily typically flowers approximately 90 days after transplanting.
- Is Ginger Lily frost hardy?
- Ginger Lily is classified as Half Hardy.
