Hedychium 'Vanilla Ice'

Hedychium coronarium 'Vanilla Ice' is a great subtropical accent in the perennial border. The tropical-looking foliage is striped and flecked with white and provides interest all season long. White fragrant flowers with yellow throats arrive in fall. This species can be more likely to bloom if the stems are protected in winter and not allowed to die back. Grow it in a pot outdoors in summer and bring inside in winter. But also ground hardy down to zone 7. 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.