This interesting ginger is a hybrid. The hybridizer did not reveal the parentage, but Hedychium coronarium is, without question, one of the parents. The flowers are quite large, and make for a rather stunning presentation. They have the same fragrance as Hedychium coronarium, but the fragrance is not as strong. The pseudostems are not as tall as Hedychium coronarium, but the leaves are wider.
Since it is not a species, I’ve had to experiment with this plant a bit, to see what conditions it likes. Hedychium Luna Moth prefers bright shade, and has high water requirements, but does not need quite as much water as its parent Hedychium coronarium does.
I rather like this plant. They make a nice display of large flowers, which really do look like luna moths. The foliage is very attractive with medium height pseudostems and broad leaves. This ginger does not go dormant in Winter. If you are as nuts about gingers as I am, then you really must have this plant for your collection.
Origin
This is a hybrid. It is not found in nature.
Binomial nomenclature
Hedychium Luna Moth
Common names
Luna Moth
Description
This plant has attractive foliage. Broadly lanceolate leaves emerge from stands of medium height pseudostems. The terminal inflorescence resembles that of Hedychium coronarium, but with larger luna moth shaped flowers. The flowers have a wonderful fragrance.
Height
3′
Temperature/Zone
Zone 8b, 32°F or higher. Hedychium Luna Moth does not go completely dormant in Winter.
Light
Filtered shade.
Water
Keep them evenly moist during the warm months, but allow them to dry out a bit more during the winter.
Fertilizer
I use an all purpose fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the Winter.
Cultivation
Hedychium Luna Moth prefers a rich soil high in organic material.
Pests
Aphids seem to really love this plant.
