Hedychium ellipticum

Hedychium ellipticum is a striking species of hardy ginger that holds its clusters of fragrant flowers on arching stems like a bouquet. The petals are white and are accented with very long, fiery red stamens. The broad, deep green leaves are ribbed on the surface and have leaf bases coloured red where they clasp the stem. Native to the eastern Himalayas and northeast India. Hedychium are related to the culinary ginger Zingiber officinale. Where hardy, they add subtropical foliage and exotic late summer and fall flowers to the garden. Grow in warm spots in full to part sun with rich soil and abundant moisture. Mulch with fallen leaves in winter. They are also easy to grow in pots and can be protected in a frost free area for winter or grown as a houseplant.