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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Hedychium densiflorum

Dense Ginger Lily

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium to high

Bloom time

Mid-summer to early fall

Find this plant

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.