Kahili Ginger Care

Hedychium gardnerianum, also called longose, is a species of flowering plant in the ginger family Zingiberaceae, native to the Himalayas. It is an erect herbaceous perennial growing to 8 ft tall with long, bright green leaves clasping the tall stems.

The ginger lily found throughout the tropics and subtropics, the Hedychium gardneranum is also a delightful choice for a greenhouse or enclosed porch. The Kahili ginger is a tall, slender plant, often reaching 4′ feet tall in cultivation. The plant produces thin, shiny green stems and banana-shaped leaves. If the plant receives enough water, it should produce denser foliage. Dividing the plant in the spring also provides a way to create more plants and thicker growth. This is a later summer bloomer. The yellow flowers tend to appear in late summer or early fall, springing to life in large clusters. The flowers have long red stamens and produce a strong, fragrant aroma. The yellow petals are thin, drooping around the stamens. It can be invasive in forest ecosystems in Australia, La Réunion, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain's Canary Islands, and South Africa.