How to Grow Scarlet Ginger
Scarlet Ginger
Hedychium coccineum
flowerHedychium coccineum is a tropical flowering plant prized for its striking scarlet-red or orange flower spikes and luxuriant, banana-like foliage. This rhizomatous perennial produces fragrant flowers that bloom in summer and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It's an excellent specimen plant for warm gardens, containers, and ornamental landscapes.
When should you plant Scarlet Ginger in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Scarlet Ginger timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Scarlet Ginger
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Scarlet Ginger blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Ginger dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown in zone 8b with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Scarlet Ginger grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Scarlet Ginger timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Planting
2-4 weeksRhizomes are dormant with visible buds. Newly planted rhizomes show no above-ground growth.
Plant rhizomes in spring after frost danger passes. Ensure soil is warm (above 60°F). Keep soil warm and moist but not waterlogged.
Emergence/Early Growth
4-8 weeksShoots emerge from soil, developing into leafy stems with elongated, lance-shaped leaves resembling banana foliage.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates. Apply light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Development
8-16 weeksPlant grows tall (2-5 feet) with multiple stems and large, attractive green foliage. Dense clumps form as rhizomes expand underground.
Support tall stems with stakes if needed. Continue regular watering and feeding. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Flowering
4-8 weeksShowy terminal flower spikes emerge, featuring tubular scarlet-red or orange flowers arranged in dense, elongated clusters. Blooms are fragrant and attract pollinators.
Maintain consistent watering during flowering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming. Apply high-potassium fertilizer to support flower production.
Post-Flowering/Dormancy Preparation
6-12 weeksFlowers fade; foliage remains ornamental but begins to yellow as temperatures cool. Plant gradually enters dormancy.
Reduce watering and feeding as temperatures drop. Cut back dead foliage after hard frost. In cold zones, dig and store rhizomes indoors for winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity and mist foliage regularly; spray with water or neem oil if infestation occurs
-
Remove with rubbing alcohol on affected areas; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Scrape off manually; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray
-
Ensure good air circulation; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering
-
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging; improve air circulation around rhizomes
Uses
Tropical Landscaping & Garden Design
OrnamentalHedychium coccineum serves as a stunning focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens, creating dramatic visual impact with its vivid scarlet flower spikes and lush foliage. It's ideal for specimen planting, mixed borders, and creating a tropical ambiance in warm climates. [source]
Culinary Ginger & Flavoring
CulinaryWhile not as commonly used as culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale), the rhizomes have been used in traditional cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia, for their aromatic and slightly spicy flavor in cooking and tea preparation. [source]
Traditional Medicine & Wellness
MedicinalIn traditional Asian medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, Hedychium coccineum rhizomes have been used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. The plant contains volatile oils with potential antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator & Hummingbird Support
WildlifeThe fragrant scarlet flowers of Hedychium coccineum attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it an excellent plant for supporting local wildlife and creating a vibrant, biodiverse garden ecosystem. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe striking flower spikes are excellent for fresh cut flower arrangements and tropical floral displays, lasting several weeks in a vase with proper care. The fragrant blooms add visual drama and delightful scent to indoor spaces. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet Ginger is grown as an ornamental; flowers are not typically harvested. However, cut flower spikes can be enjoyed in arrangements when fully opened. Cut stems close to the base using clean, sharp scissors. Mature rhizomes can be divided in spring for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hedychium coccineum is also known as 'Scarlet Ginger' or 'Red Ginger' and originates from the Himalayas, where it grows in moist forest environments at elevations up to 7,000 feet.
- 🌱 The name 'Hedychium' comes from the Greek words 'hedys' (sweet) and 'chion' (snow), referring to the plant's fragrant flowers that were once compared to fragrant snow.
- 🌱 In some regions, Hedychium coccineum has naturalized and become invasive due to its vigorous rhizomatous growth and ability to spread rapidly in warm, moist climates like Hawaii and parts of California.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Scarlet Ginger planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Scarlet Ginger seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Scarlet Ginger timeline →