This question was asked by
I purchased a ginger lily from you at Malvern. I planted it a week later and so far it hasn’t grown can you help please. I planted horizontal with the one green bud visible on top and covered in 1cm soil and have tried to keep damp not wet in this dry spell. I looked today and there are no roots at all but there is one bud swelling at one end. I have removed most of the soil from the top, wondering if they should be more superficial, and it’s been rained on so it is moist. Am I being impatient or did I get something wrong? It’s in a pot in full sun. Thank you!
Hedychium Gardnerianum The ‘Ginger Lily’
Hi Louise,
Here’s some helpful information that may assist you:
Why They Take Time:
-
-
Tropical Origins: Ginger lilies are native to warm, humid climates. If the soil or air temperature isn’t warm enough (typically below 60–65°F / 15–18°C), they stay dormant.
-
-
-
Seasonal Sleepers: They often remain dormant until late spring or even early summer, depending on your climate zone.
-
-
-
Energy First, Flowers Later: They focus on establishing strong root systems before sending up shoots or blooms.
-
How to Help Them Get Going:
-
-
Warmth: Make sure they’re planted in a warm spot with plenty of sun. If they’re in pots, moving them to a sunnier, sheltered location can speed things up.
-
-
-
Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They don’t like to dry out completely.
-
-
-
Feed Them: A gentle, balanced fertilizer (slow-release formula) can help encourage growth once you see green shoots.
-
-
-
Mulch for Heat Retention: Mulching helps retain warmth and moisture in the soil.
-
-
-
Be Patient: Some varieties naturally take longer than others. Trust that the underground rhizomes are doing their thing!
-
The Hart Family
