Do you leave yours out all winter? If so, does it need any special protection?

Yes, it's left out, planted in the garden. I never cut the dead stems until Spring. The cut stems act like a wick or straw, drawing moisture into the rhizome. This could kill an otherwise established planting. Mulch if you get colder than zone 8 minimums.

Cheers, Barrie.

Most hedychiums are root/rhizome hardy to zone 7 with a heavy mulch