Is Hedychium coronarium edible?
This is definitely one of the more beautiful ornamental ginger lilies to grow and it is edible too. Hedychium coronarium, commonly called white ginger lily, butterfly ginger, or garland flower, is perhaps native to the Himalayas but it has been widely cultivated in tropical Asia.Kahili ginger lily. Originating from the Himalayas, this is probably one of the hardiest hedychiums. The foliage is dramatic and architectural and can grow up to 40cm long, so it looks great in borders with a tropical theme.Hedychium, Ginger Lillies – Care Advice In the right position and with the proper care, they are remarkably easy plants to grow, being suitable for growing in containers or planting out in the garden.
How big do Hedychium coronarium get?
Hedychium coronarium (White Ginger) – Green leaves grow in a single plane along 3-6 feet tall stems rising from stout rhyzomes. The leaves measure to 2 feet long and 5 inches across and are softly hairy on the undersides. Ginger may have numerous health benefits due to anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and other properties. It may aid digestion, reduce nausea, manage arthritis, alleviate menstrual symptoms, and more. Ginger comes from a flowering plant originating in Southeast Asia.Its spicy aroma is mainly due to presence of ketones, especially the gingerols, which appear to be the primary component of ginger studied in much of the health-related scientific research. The rhizome, which is the horizontal stem from which the roots grow, is the main portion of ginger that is consumed.If you are buying ginger from a store, soak the rhizomes in water overnight because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant. Plant the rhizomes 6 to 8 inches apart, 2 to 4 inches deep, and with the growth buds pointing upward. They can be planted whole or in smaller pieces with a couple of growing buds each.Ginger plants benefit from regular fertilization every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost and manure can provide a natural, slow-release nutrient source.
What is the common name for Hedychium?
Common names include garland flower, ginger lily, and kahili ginger. Members of the genus Hedychium are rhizomatous perennials, commonly growing 120–180 cm (47–71 in) tall. Some species are cultivated for their exotic foliage and fragrant spikes of flowers in shades of white, yellow and orange. It depends on the species. Some ginger lilies are tender and will need to be grown indoors in a conservatory or greenhouse, or brought indoors over winter. Other species are frost hardy and can can be grown outdoors in warm positions. Lay a thick mulch over the crown of plants in autumn to protect them over winter.Ginger can also be successfully grown in containers either indoors or out. You should plant the sets in a container that is at least 16 in wide and 12 in deep that has been filled with a good quality potting soil. Press the sets into the soil and lightly cover.Most grow best in partial shade to full shade, however some perform well in full sun. An herbaceous perennial, gingers prefer rich fertile soils and adequate moisture. Our gingers were planted directly in mounds of aged, finely milled-pine bark mixed with sand.Ginger lilies like bright sunlight and warm temperatures, which makes them best suited to a southern climate. They prefer to live in full, direct sunlight, and while they can tolerate some partial shade and add a tropical feel to the shade garden, they will flower less profusely, says Del Valle.Growing Hedychium Ginger Lilies Hedychium plants thrive in partial shade/sun in soil that has excellent drainage but remains moist. The rhizomes should not be in boggy soil, but the plant requires consistent water. You can plant the rhizomes for quicker blooms or sow the seed indoors and transplant them outside.