Description

General aspect and origins - Hedychium coronarium is also known as white ginger or butterfly ginger. It is native to India and more generally to Southeastern Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that vigorously grows and forms an attractive plant that grows up to 6 feet (1.80 m) tall. In summer and fall, it bears fragrant white and ornamental flowers.
Leaves - The white ginger has decidious leaves, which are about 2 ft (60 cm) long. Colder winter temperatures induce the plant dormancy, during which the leaves die back to the ground. It will quickly regrow in the next spring.
Flowers - Flowers are white with a yellow center, and are very fragrant. They appear in summer and fall. This plant is named butterfly ginger because of the shape of the flower.
Fruits - Fruits are capsules.

Culture

This ornamental plant is widely appreciated for its foliage and its fragrant flowers. Although of tropical origins, this plant can withstand low temperatures down to about 18°F (-8°C). The white ginger can thus be grown in USDA zones z8b and warmer.
Soil - Gingers prefer a well-drained and fertile ground. Also, they need to be regularly watered during the growing season. However, they need drier conditions during winter.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds or by division of the rhizoms.