Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Hedychium densiflorum
Dense Ginger Lily
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Height
- 3-5 feet tall
- Width
- 2-3 feet wide
- Flower color
- Dense spikes of fragrant, orange to yellowish-orange flowers
- Foliage color
- Lance-shaped, medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Medium to high
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; cut back in late fall, and mulch for winter protection in cooler zones
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7-10
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators, especially bees and butterflies
About this plant
Hedychium densiflorum, commonly known as dense ginger lily, is a tropical-looking perennial admired for its spires of fragrant flowers that bloom from midsummer to early autumn. The flowers are typically a warm shade of orange or yellow, clustered tightly together on upright spikes, which creates a bold vertical element in the garden. The blossoms emit a light, sweet fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies, and adding sensory appeal to the garden.
Native to the Himalayas, Hedychium densiflorum is well adapted to cooler climates compared to other ginger lilies, making it a more versatile choice for temperate gardens. Its lush, lance-shaped foliage provides a lush, exotic look and serves as an attractive backdrop to its colorful blooms. This ginger lily is ideal for borders or tropical-themed plantings, where it brings both structure and vibrant, late-season color, enhancing the garden as other blooms begin to fade.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
