The genus name Hedychium is derived from two ancient Greek words, hedys meaning "sweet" and chion meaning "snow". This refers to the fragrant white flower of the type species H. coronarium. Common names include garland flower, ginger lily, and kahili ginger. Members of the genus Hedychium are rhizomatous perennials, commonly growing 120–180 cm tall. Some species are cultivated for their exotic foliage and fragrant spikes of flowers in shades of white, yellow and orange. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, of which 'Tara' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Hedychium greenii (shown here) is a small to medium sized ginger, usually growing only 1 metre tall, but sometimes up to 1.6 m, if grown in optimal conditions. The foliage is very attractive, reddish-purple stems and undersides of leaves and dark green on the upper sides of the leaves. The flowers are bright red but the flower heads are smaller than many other Hedychiums. Hedychium greenii is unique among butterfly gingers by producing prolific small plantlets from the flower heads. You can pull off these plantlets after they mature a bit and stick them in the soil about 2 cm, and they will root readily forming new plants. This makes them easy to propagate, and it is a very good thing.
Hedychium greenii requires a little more shade than other Hedychiums. It has a tendency to dry out in that much sun, unless regularly watered. Its native habitat is moist, even marshy ground, and it should be kept very moist for best flowering. Hardiness ratings all the way from zone 7 to zone 9.
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Thanks for hosting, Nick!
ReplyDeleteI have linked my blog here at Floral Friday Fotos!
ReplyDeleteNice to find this place :) It's my first time here.
Thanks for hosting!
it is really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNever heard about this plant ... Fantastic capture and it's fine to read about this Bloom. Wish you a very good weekend!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Heidrun
A lovely rich coloured bloom, Nick.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous and cheerful color! Thanks for hosting:) Have nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeletewonderful ginger blossoms!
I wish you a nice weekend,
moni
Thanks if you visit my blog
http://www.reflexionblog.de
Hi! I´m wisiting for the first time, lovely picture. BR Marika
ReplyDeleteThe name of the flower is as beautiful as the flower itself.
ReplyDeleteHello Nick thank you for hosting...have a great start.
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