Hedychium coccineum 'Tara'

The fragrance of Ginger Lily is most often likened to Gardenia, but only a Gardenia grown in the South Pacific could achieve this combination of sweet musk with a hint of tropical spice! It is absolutely intoxicating, and a single long stem (granted, we're talking 12 to 15 inches of brilliant blooms here!) perfumes the entire room. Imagine the effect in the partly shaded border!

'Tara' is a large, well-branched, stately plant, with long strap-shaped leaves below the long, flower-packed stems. The blooms are bright orange with even brighter red stamens protruding far beyond the petals. They begin in midsummer in most climates, really hit their stride in late summer, and continue into mid-fall. Butterflies and hummingbirds pay close attention to this perennial, which reaches 6 to 8 feet tall (really!) and 3 to 4 feet wide.

'Tara' was discovered as a seedling in Nepal in the early 1970's by the Kew Gardens's Tony Schilling. It has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit, England's highest honor for a plant, by the Royal Horticulture Society. It blooms earlier and much longer than the species, and is reliably hardy to 0 degrees F, a claim no other Hedychium coccineum cultivar can make.

The blue-green foliage on this plant dies back during winter in most climates, but reappears in spring. Easy to grow in light shade, 'Tara' does require consistent moisture and plenty of it, so consider it for waterside plantings if the drainage is good. The moist, well-drained soil of the border is fine as well. Enjoy this exceptional perennial! Zones 7-11.