Species upright wild ginger

upright wild ginger

Saruma henryi

Upright wild ginger (Saruma henryi) is an herbaceous perennial plant found in parts of the Southern United States and China. It is identified by its tall, upright form, reaching up 3 to 4 feet in height, with fuzzy green-gray leaves and small, cup-shaped purple or rosy flowers. Saruma henryi is long-lived, disease resistant, and prefers rich, moist soils and part sun for optimal growth. Its blossoms are attractive to pollinators, making it a great addition to the garden. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions, though flowers will slow or stop with low moisture. And, with its unique, architectural form, it will delineate any border or garden walkway.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Soft yellow Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Upright wild ginger prefers moist soil and should be watered about twice per week, depending on the local conditions. During periods of hot, dry weather, water may be needed more often. It is important to avoid over-watering, as the soil should not be allowed to become soggy or waterlogged. It is suggested to water the soil thoroughly but slowly until some moisture seeps from the drainage holes at the base of the pot.

sunlight

Upright wild ginger (Saruma henryi) thrives in partial shade but benefits from some sunlight during the day. When grown in the shade, we recommend about 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, with the sun coming from either the east or west. It is important to not allow the plant to receive too much sun, as it can burn the leaves. Avoid full sun exposure during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. Additionally, when planting upright wild ginger near trees or other plants that may provide shade, it’s important to ensure that it has sufficient access to sunlight at all times.

pruning

Upright Wild Ginger (Saruma henryi) should be pruned regularly to encourage a bushy growth habit and promote healthy foliage. Pruning should be done in either the late winter or early spring just before or just after new growth appears. Begin pruning by removing any dead or damaged stems or branches. Also, if the plant is large, thin out the canopy by selectively removing branches to create an open, airy look. Lightly shear or trim the foliage to keep the plant neat and tidy. For vigorous plants, more aggressive pruning may be necessary to keep the height and spread in check.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Saruma henryi typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map