Ginger lily

Q: I received a clump of ginger lily which I planted like an iris. There isn’t any foliage in winter. Is it dead or just dormant?

A: Ginger lily (Curcuma and Hedychium species) is usually hardy in Atlanta, although a layer of pine straw over the clump is appreciated in frigid weather. As you guessed, the clump is dormant in winter. The green foliage will spring up in April, followed by the fragrant flowers in summer. The rhizomes (roots) can be divided in a few years and clumps passed along to your friends.