Hedychium ellipticum, the Shaving Brush Ginger, gets its common name from its wedge-shaped tightly-compacted and distinctively-truncated and flattened umbelliforme inflorescence. These bear stunning creamy-white flowers from which extend outwards highly exquisite and delicate stamens tipped with very beautiful soft-orange coloured anthers. The large foliage is very handsome and prominently ribbed and is edged with a darkish-red colouration at the leaf-base.

Like all hardy Hedychiums it requires a deep, rich, well-drained soil and heavy mulching in the winter months. It will flower in northern latitudes if given as much sunlight as possible and watered and fed well during the growing season.