The white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium)
[Jaimie Sweetman is part of the Edible Forest located on the Yarra Valley Estate in Dixons Creek. There are regular tours of the Edible Forest – read more and book your place on a future tour.]
After spending today cutting back the ginger lilies in the garden, I thought about how beautiful it looked. And it is also edible.
The white flowers have a strong floral fragrance and taste floral as well. They can be used to top salads, desserts or as a garnish for an elegant look.
The white ginger lily originates from Asia and can be a weed in more tropical areas. Here in Melbourne it does quite well though and adds a tropical theme to your garden. Usually an under-story plant, it does best in a more protected spot under a canopy or among other plants.
Placed in a border near a pathway, the flowers smell lovely walking past and the ginger stems add an architectural element to the garden.
This is definitely one of the more beautiful ornamental ginger lilies to grow and it is edible too.
Is the root edible as well?
Yes, you can apparently eat the rhizomes.
Hi Guy, I was informed that these plant grow from bulbs. If you are located around Melbourne can we get them from you?
Hi Jim,
No, sorry, but I don’t sell them (or anything else!).
Hi Jim,
A friend of mine managed to order some from a nursery in QLD. They can ship it to Melbourne. Here’s a link. Seems it’s out of stock right now. You can give them a call.
https://www.bambooland.com.au/hedychium-coronarium-fragrant-white
Good luck.
Where to buy in Australia? Thanks.
Sorry, Laura, but I have no idea.
Hi Laura,
A friend of mine managed to order some from a nursery in QLD. They can ship to certain places if it is allowed by your state. Right now it’s out of stock. You can give them a call. Here’s a link for your reference.
https://www.bambooland.com.au/hedychium-coronarium-fragrant-white