Rock Butterfly Lily
Family
Zingiberaceae
Origin
Hawaiian
Description
Hedychium are rhizomatous perennials with erect, unbranched stems bearing two ranks of lance-shaped leaves, and dense terminal racemes of showy, often fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers
Hedychium ellipticum (Rock Butterfly Lily) is a clump-forming perennial with stems to 2.5 m in height, and glossy, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves 30-40cm in length. In late summer to early fall, very fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear in a dense flowerhead surrounded by a firework display of long, orange-red stamens. Rich with a pleasing spice fragrance, they resemble a brightly colored pin-cushion. Rock Butterfly Lily is one of the hardiest gingers. A beautiful foliage plant that is much admired when in bloom
The flowers of butterfly ginger lily attract hummingbirds and other pollinators and also make beautiful cut flowers.
Hedychium Ellipticum bulbs produce distinctive white flowers accompanied by rich foliage, enhancing the beauty of tropical gardens. Flowering occurs from July to October in plains and from August to November in hill regions. Plant bulbs between February and April in plains or March to May in hills.
Environment
Most Gingers need 2-4 hours of cool direct sunlight , i.e., early morning sunlight or filtered shade throughout the day. Gingers are fairly drought resistant once well-established but often have the best foliage and flower best under average moist to moist conditions with acidic or mildly acidic and fertile soils. When the flowers are all spent, cut off the stem to allow the plant s energy to direct towards the rhizomes. Keep the foliage well tended until it dies back, as it will keep collecting solar energy to store for the next season s bloom.
Cream Garland Lily grows well in cooler climates.
Landscape Use
Ginger plants can be grown in containers and brought indoors for the cool seasons. Ideal for Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing
