Myoga ginger
ÂÂÂZingiber mioga
Finding tall, tropical-looking perennials for the woodland garden is nearly impossible. Finding tropical-looking perennials for the woodland garden that are winter hardy and edible is nearly impossible…enter Zingiber mioga, aka myoga. This is not to be confused with the better-known Mr. Miyagi…one has a kick and one does not.
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This wonderful Asian (China, Japan, Korea) native ginger is right at home growing among hostas and ferns in the woodland garden, where it forms 4′ tall, spring-emerging stalks, laden with lush green tropical foliage. A planting of myoga widens thanks to short, thick rhizomes, eventually forming a 5′ wide patch in 10 years.Â
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For a month, starting in early September, the flowers appear at ground level, looking as though someone has strewn orchid blooms on the ground beneath the stalks. In Japan, the unopened flower buds are produced to the tune of 9000 tons per year for use in miso soup, in tempura, as a garnish, and in a number of other recipes. The young spring shoots with a light ginger taste are called myoga, and are also eaten, especially in sushi. Important safety tip before you get carried away…older shoots along with the rest of the plant (like tomato and potato foliage) are poisonous, so dine with care.Â
To extend Japan’s month-long production season, additional production now takes place in Tasmania. Most of the myoga clones in the US produce soft yellow flowers, although there are pink and bicolored flowered clones in cultivation.
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For ornamental value, there are three variegated leaf forms, ‘Dancing Crane’ (aka ‘Nakafu’), (white-centered leaves), ‘White Feather’ (white-edged leaves), and ‘Silver Arrow’ (lightly flecked leaves), ‘Crug Zing’ (green leaves, but bicolor violet/yellow flowers), and ‘Lushan Gold’ (clumping form with green leaves and yellow flowers).Â
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If we have a late first frost, the flowers produce amazing beautiful seed pods that also lay on the ground. Since Zingiber ‘Lushan Gold’ flowers much earlier than all the other clones, it consistently sets seed for us. Average to slightly moist woodland soils are perfect, and anything from light shade to a few hours of morning sun are fine as well.
– Tony Avent
