Growing shampoo ginger lilly
Patty Asked
Can I grow shampoo ginger lilly in Kentucky? Patty, Elizabethtown KY.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Patty: A native to Asia, Zingiber zerumbet is commonly known as Shampoo Ginger, Pinecone Lily, and Bitter Ginger. This member of the ginger family can be grown in Kentucky but is considered a tropical since it will not tolerate our winter temperatures. Similar to Cannas and other tropicals with tuberous roots, the rhizomes can be lifted from the soil before the first hard freeze and stored in a cool, frost-free environment during the winter months. Brown paper bags work great for this purpose. Container grown plants can be overwintered in the same frost-free environment. They will spend this time in dormancy and will not require light or moisture. After the frost-free date passes next spring, the rhizomes can be taken back outdoors for another growing season. I hope this is helpful.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
