Sorry i forgot to add.... I live in San Antonio,Tx.

Hi Matt,
part sun is fine, they can take full sun but only if they are in a bog type area. I use Nutricote 13-13-13 w/minors 180 day formula. I'm on ebay also (bloomerliz). Starting off in a pot is the right thing to do. They should be 3 gallon size next spring and more than ready to go in the ground. Good Luck.
Liz
Liz@gingerlandtropicals.com

They can be planted in the ground and the rhizomes will survive the winter in San Antonio with no problem. The stalks will die and turn brown, but the rhizomes will send up new shoots in the spring.

You could put them in the ground now or leave them in the pot all winter. If you leave them in the pot, I'd suggest bringing it inside on nights when the temperature drops below freezing. If your intent is to have them in a pot on a permanent basis, use a big pot. The rhizomes will spread when growth begins again. Growing them in pots means that you will have to divide the rhizomes each year unless the pots are really huge. Those grown in the ground are also commonly divided. That's the quickest and easiest way to get more plants.

Except during the winter when they are dormant, Hedychiums need lots of water. The soil should not be allowed to dry out. A thick, organic mulch should be used where they are planted. Thick to conserve water and organic to add nutrients to the soil as the mulch decomposes. Hedychiums like a rich soil. Mix some composted cow manure into the soil when you plant the rhizomes also and add some more on top with the mulch. You can buy 40-pound bags at Home Depot or Lowe's.

Part sun or a little sun and bright shade would be best in San Antonio. Full sun is okay too, but then they'll need even more water because San Antonio summers are so hot.

Hedychiums bloom in the late summer and fall. Yours will be about ready when you see large green buds forming at the tips of the stalks. Then the white flowers come out. Hedychium coronarium has an especially beautiful fragrance.