Hedychium gomezianum

Gomez's Ginger Lily Zingiberaceae

A rather elegant, under-the-radar ginger lily, Hedychium gomezianum is a relatively compact species with a distinctly exotic air. It produces upright stems clothed in lance-shaped, dark green leaves, followed from late summer into autumn by wonderfully spidery, bright yellow flowers with long orange stamens. Better still, the flowers are fragrant both by day and in the evening—proof that modest stature need not mean modest performance.

Native to the eastern Himalaya and extending into mainland Southeast Asia, it naturally grows in moist, humus-rich habitats. In cultivation it appreciates similar conditions: moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold winds. A generous winter mulch will help protect the rhizomes in colder gardens.

This particular clone was originally collected in Manipur, India, giving it a useful provenance that distinguishes it from plants circulating under the species name without collection details. It is a particularly worthwhile Hedychium for anyone who prefers their ginger lilies slightly less predictable and considerably more intriguing.

Height: 80cm
Spread: 40–50cm
Flowering: Late summer–October
Hardiness: H4, −10 to −5°C

Note: the RHS currently lists Hedychium gomezianum as H3, but we grow this clone as H4 based on its performance in cultivation.