Butterfly Gingers
October 8, 2009 – 8:55 am
Hedychium coronarium - White Butterfly Ginger
Butterfly ginger, those intoxicating flowers of the Hedychium family, are in full bloom this month. Following the natural order, they bloom right when the butterflies are migrating through and the sphinx moths are mating. Most Charleston gardeners have at least one small stand of these flowers in their shady yards because they are easy to grow, bloom profusely and fill the air with a perfume that is quite agreeable. In fact, unlike other strongly scented flowers (lilies of the valley, hyacinths, etc.,) I have yet to meet one who does not like the smell of this flower.
But here are some fun facts you may not know:
- Butterfly ginger flowers are edible! You can add the buds to stir fry dishes or salads.
- Flowers can be steeped into a very fragrant tea.
- Although native to China, white butterfly gingers are the national flower of Cuba.
- The rhizomes can be cut into small pieces to share with friends.
- Chinese herbal medicine practitioners use the leaves to treat arthritis and the roots to treat tonsilitis.
Happy Day,
3 Responses to “Butterfly Gingers”
How have I missed this beauty?! I will definately add this to the garden. Great picture Trish.
By lynn on Oct 8, 2009
Fern frond and butterfly bud salad with a light rainbow vinaigrette! YUMMY.
By Hartley on Oct 8, 2009
BTW, they taste like perfume. Okay at first but probably better as a tea.
By Trish on Oct 8, 2009