White Ginger Lily

Question

I have a white ginger lily plant that I keep outside in the summer and indoors in the winter. It has gotten so big I can no longer keep it indoors. I live in upstate New York. Can it be planted in the ground and covered for the winter. Will it survive New York state coldness?

Answer 1

I would cut it back rather than plant it outside. You also can cut off all the foliage and overwinter the rhizome to replant in spring. That might keep the size more manageable. Gingers are tropical and can't tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees F.

You are in USDA hardiness zone 5, which is too cold for ginger lilies. If you happened to be in zone 7, the plant might slide by outside with protection. Here is more information:

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hedychium-coronarium/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/ornamental-ginger/butterfly-ginger-lilies.htm

Answer 2

Gingers are hardy only to zone 7--and even in zone 7 need winter protection. I'm afraid it's not going to survive outside in New York. Perhaps you should divide it this spring and keep a smaller piece to start over with.