Hedychium coronarium (Ginger lily)
I watched a presentation from the JC Raulston Arboretum on Wednesday about using cut flowers from one’s garden to create arrangements. One of the presenters shared Hedychium growing in the Raulston gardens in Raleigh, NC.
With such a dearth of rain this summer my passalong ginger lilies have looked pitiful, I thought to myself I probably won’t see any blooms in my garden this year. But in the side garden early yesterday morning I spotted rising out of the foliage a raceme of sweetly scented blossoms.
Hedychium coronarium (Ginger lily)
Some common names for this plant are Butterfly Ginger, Butterfly Lily, Cinnamon Jasmine, Garland FlowerGinger, LilyWhite Garland, LilyWhite Ginger. Do the flowers remind you of butterflies?
Hedychium coronarium (Ginger lily)
pbmGarden 
Love those! I got a passalong from a lady who called them Dutch Shoes from the rhizomes. They are suffering greatly in my sand. Glad to see a flower.
I don’t remember what the rhizomes look like. Got these from a horticulturist neighbor 15 or more years ago.
They are flat like clogs
They’re lovely plants and they do remind me of butterflies. Perfect for your garden! Regrettably, we’re too dry for the plants to be happy here.
It’s been bone dry here this summer so I’m shocked to see these in bloom. There were three more this morning. Such a treat.
I love your photos. They are always a bright spot in the day. Your garden is amazing as is your observation. Other people may have the flowers and butterflies but don’t take the time to really SEE! Especially enjoy your butterflies and wonder how many have been there but I haven’t seen.
Jane
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Thanks so much Jane. Last year I recorded about 40 butterflies and even with our very dry summer this year it’s over 400! The difference must be in just scouting things out more frequently and more purposefully. It’s been very rewarding.
Absolutely beautiful! Lucky woman.
Yes, very lucky! The flowers were a great surprise.
What a happy surprise! I wonder if they are named butterfly ginger for their look or that they attract butterflies? Probably both!
I think they are named for the shape of the flowers. Hmm, will have to pay more attention to see if insects are drawn to it–can’t think of any. That’s the trouble with non-natives!
Kahili ginger is the common flowering ginger here, particularly farther south.Other gingers are prettier, but some are not as fragrant. I suspect that Kahili ginger is popular mainly because it is so easy to grow. I would like to try butterfly ginger (because it is so white), but I do not know what to expect from it here. I see if on rare occasion in the Los Angeles region.
Looked up the Kahili ginger–it is attractive. Always nice to have fragrant plants.
It is not as garish as the other gingers, but happens to perform well here and regions with mild frost.
Gingers are one of my favorites. You can really grow a variety of plants in your area. My mother-in-law gave me my first ginger, which was a white butterfly, that she got from the “Ginger Lady”. Never found out who she was.
Love thinking about who the “Ginger Lady” may have been. I actually wanted an orange ginger but the neighbor who shared with me didn’t know which was which so I ended up with white. But it’s lovely!
What beautiful flowers. Such a lovely surprise for you!