Add late summer fragrance to the garden with this favorite pass-along plant.
Key Takeaways
Late August and September may not be the most favorite times in the garden.
Some flowers are dead, some soon will be, while many remainders hardly try.
Credit: APION / Getty Images
But inlate summer, one plant hasn’t given up.
It’s a time-honored perennial whose graceful blossoms have adorned Southern gardens for generations: ginger lily.
The ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) isn’t atrue lilybut a rhizomatous member of the ginger family.
Credit: Steve Bender
They release an intoxicating, sweet scent, which some compare to honeysuckle.
They’re excellent for cutting and bringing indoors.
Plant them in your garden in early spring or fall in a shady area in well-drained soil.
They grow quickly, spreading to up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Here’s how to grow and care for ginger lily in your yard.
Roots spread quickly in moist soil, so give them plenty of room and quite a bit of shade.
Branches grow up to 5 feet tall.
Also, butterflies enjoy the copious nectar.
Light
Plant ginger lilies in an area with four or fewer hours of direct daily sunlight.
When exposed to too much sun, ginger lily plants' leaves curl.
Soil
Well-drained soil is most important for ginger lilies to thrive.
If the roots are too water-logged, they can distort, rot, or develop incorrectly.
Ginger lily needs fertile,acidic soilthat’s rich and filled with organic matter.
It should be consistently moist or even wet, but not soggy.
The edge of a pond or stream is perfect.
Water
Balancing moist soil is essential when watering ginger lilies.
Temperature And Humidity
Ginger lilies grow best in subtropical climates with hot and humid summers.
While technically a hardy plant, these flowers are frost-tender.
When cold weather hits the stalks, it will kill them as they can’t withstand the low temperatures.
It’s winter-hardy fromUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone7B south.
Some people in colder climates grow it next to a sunny window as a houseplant.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer weekly or monthly to help prevent injury to the plant’s roots.
Remember to water immediately after fertilizing.
After blooms fade, you canpinch the individual flowers off.
Propagate in early spring or fall.
Remember that some ginger lily varieties may be trademarked and, therefore, they are illegal to propagate.
Propagate other ginger lilies with seeds or rhizomes.
Keep them in a cool, dry place.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Fortunately, ginger lily isn’t affected by many pests or diseases.
It’s susceptible to typical garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale.
Treat these with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
These blooms can thrive for weeks in moist, well-drained soil, especially when planted in a shady area.
you’re able to encourage new growth by pinching off flowers that start to wilt.
If you want to use ginger lily for indoor decor, cut the blooms right after they open.
This helps ensure it is fragrant.
Spikes and foliage can become compost when cut into manageable pieces.
Common Problems With Ginger Lily
Ginger lilies are tough plants with few problems.
If they have proper light, moisture, and warmth, they will thrive.
If you notice discoloration, that could indicate a problem.
Here are some issues that could arise with ginger lilies due to care and how to handle them.
This bacteria prevents the stalks from getting the nutrients they need to survive.
A fungus called Fusarium is a second reason for the yellowing of ginger lily.
If your shoots turn yellow or stunt growth, the rhizome may not be receiving enough water.
Dry rot may be present.
Remove the plant from the soil, cut off any distressed parts, and rinse the rhizomes.
Treat with a fungicide if desired, then replant the lily in fresh, well-draining soil.
Leaves Turning Brown
Turning brown isn’t necessarily a sign of dying ginger lilies.
Instead, if this plant is not receiving enough water, it may go dormant.
Keep soil moist, and you should prevent discoloration and curling leaves.
Prune the affected areas, improve drainage, and treat with a fungicide.
Frequently Asked Questions
They like rich, moist soil in a humid climate.
Plant them near a wall or corner to give them shelter and shade.
These flowers attract songbirds, butterflies, rabbits, and rodents, but deer eat them only occasionally.
