Name: David Laderoute Zone 5B/6 - NW MO (Zone 5b) Ignoring Zones altogether
Thanks for all this discussion. Since I am new to Gingers, it is most helpful. Hoping to see my White bloom - it has 2 buds, but we have really cooled off. But going back to mid to upper 70s in a few days. Nothing on my store ginger, the other ornamental (Kahili), nor turmeric.
I live in the Netherlands, so in a sea climate. In winter we may have long periods around freezing point with copious amounts of rain and wet snow. This can easily kill many plants used to much harsher climates like alpine plants. Summers are relatively cool so plants like palms which need lots of sun and heat just do not restore enough. For gingers such as Hedychium this means that when I store the tubers dry and replant in spring, they will try to flower around November. Before that happens the night frosts will kill them. Growing in pots all year round allows them to flower in September-first half of October: just in time!
I purchased a Kahili three or so years ago, thought that it was a goner, but it just started blooming last week. Its looking good so far. Cool won't kill them, but cold will knock the snot out of them, some will come back.
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