Hedychium densiflorum ‘Sorung’

Ginger Lily Zingiberaceae

A particularly fine form of the hardy ginger lily, ‘Sorung’ produces strong, upright stems clothed in handsome lance-shaped foliage and topped in late summer by dense, substantial spikes of soft pinkish-orange to peach flowers. The flowers are unusually large for Hedychium densiflorum, and the plant can produce a wonderfully long succession of spikes once established. It is also fragrant, with a warm, rich scent that is particularly noticeable in the evening.

Its provenance is well recorded. ‘Sorung’ was collected by the late Edward Needham in eastern Nepal, at approximately 2,400 m (7,900 ft) in the Hongu Khola valley, near Sorung. The name therefore refers directly to the locality associated with the collection rather than being an arbitrary horticultural cultivar name. 

The high-altitude provenance helps explain its impressive performance in Britain. It is a robust, hardy ginger lily capable of forming a substantial clump, provided it receives rich, moisture-retentive soil and a reasonable growing season. Full sun or partial shade is suitable, although some protection from the hottest afternoon sun is beneficial. Good winter drainage is important, particularly in heavier soils, and a generous mulch helps protect the rhizomes.

A superb choice for the late-summer border, where its exotic appearance, hardiness and evening fragrance make it considerably more useful than its Himalayan origins might suggest. The RHS lists it as reaching 1–1.5 m, with moist but well-drained soil and shelter recommended. 

Height: 1–1.5 m
Spread: 60–100 cm
Flowering: August–September
Hardiness: H3–H4; considerably hardier in a well-established, well-mulched position
Growing conditions: Moist, fertile, humus-rich but well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade. Shelter from cold winds and provide a generous winter mulch.
Collection: Edward Needham, eastern Nepal; Hongu Khola valley, near Sorung, approximately 2,400 m.
Fragrance: Strong, particularly in the evening.