Not sure if this is the right forum. I was given a Hedychium coccineum 'Tara' and have done some studies on this plant, but am wondering if anyone could give me some first hand knowledge on their experience growing this plant. Site and requirements given for optimal growth. Marked as Zone 7. Should this plant be put in the ground or not? I would appreciate any information. Thank you.
I have 'Tara' in my Chemainus garden with no winter protection other than mulch, planted 3 winters ago. The clump is growing nicely in a very sunny location, amended with plenty of compost and manure. I water it every day or two in the summer, fertilize bi-weekly and see blooms by September each year. This ginger also does nicely in a pot if watered and fed well. I would suggest planting it in your garden if you have a good sunny site with rich soil and then splitting a piece in the fall to pot up for the winter. This way if your planting site isn't optimal or we have a nasty winter you won't loose your plant.
