Perennial

Ginger Lily ‘Assam Orange’

Hedychium densiflorum 'Assam Orange'

Orange late-summer flower spikes rise above lush ginger foliage in sheltered borders.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • H3
  • August–September
  • Deciduous

Overview

A rhizomatous ginger for warm, moist but drained soil. Its upright leafy shoots combine well with bananas and cannas. Use a deep winter mulch in mild sheltered gardens, or overwinter rhizomes and containers frost-free in colder areas. Summer warmth and a long growing season improve flowering. Source: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/90442/hedychium-densiflorum-assam-orange/details

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
Spread 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
Hardiness H3
Flowers August–September
Soil Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Clump forming
Water High
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -5°C (23°F)
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture Lance-shaped
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: May–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering Aug Sep
  • Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Propagate Apr May

Maintenance Calendar

  • Apr Divide rhizomes as buds begin growing
  • Jun Keep soil moist during active growth
  • Jun Feed container plants during summer
  • Oct Remove stems after they die back
  • Nov Mulch deeply or move rhizomes into frost-free storage in cold areas

Garden Design

Works well in: Coastal, Contemporary, Cottage, Tropical

Plant in small groups near a warm wall. Coastal suitability assumes wind shelter and no direct salt spray. Ratings for wildlife, tropical appearance and architecture are editorial estimates on a 1-5 scale. Spacing and care months are UK planning guides; adjust to local conditions.

Companion planting: Bananas, Cannas, Ferns

Wildlife Value

  • Shelter

Safety

Ornamental ginger, not a substitute for culinary ginger. Blank toxicity flags mean unverified, not confirmed safe.