Hedychium greenii

Hedychium greenii is a highly ornamental hardy ginger with leaves that are deep maroon on the undersides, a colour that also infuses the stems. This species blooms reliably in early October in Vancouver with a small, tight inflorescence of relatively large, dark orange, unscented flowers. Hedychium are related to the culinary ginger Zingiber officinale. Where hardy, they add subtropical foliage and exotic late summer and fall flowers to the garden. Grow in warm spots in full to part sun with rich soil and abundant moisture. Mulch with fallen leaves in winter. They are also easy to grow in pots and can be protected in a frost free area for winter or grown as a houseplant.