If the plant is what you think it is, the botanical name is Curcuma Petiolata. It is considered a heirloom plant of the South. It definitely needs sun to bloom. The blooms will emerge in late summer and are a light pink with small yellow flowers. This ginger goes dormant with the first frost. For a picture, go to www.stokestropicals.com. Search the site under the botanical name.

Steve

I was hesitant to say anything but I think it needs saying:

'old fashioned gingerlily' is vague.

I mean, Curcuma species are called 'gingerlily' (and 'hidden' ginger) so are butterfly ginger (Hedychium x. sp.) and pine cone ginger which is also called shampoo ginger and pinecone lily (Zingiber zerumbet)

I can't think of any Curcuma sp. that bloom with an overall yellow appearance, at least not offhand. (I mean, Curcumas look pink, even if the actual flower bits are yellow.) Some Hedychium are yellow, and Zingibers as well. I've seen all three in very old gardens, though...

Gotta pic of the leaves? That would help so much.

pic of Curcuma
http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/Curcuma/Curcuma_petiolata_Flower_AD.jpg

pic of Hedychium
http://www.agristarts4.com/Tech%20Sheets/Hedychium%20Anne%

pic of Zingiber zerumbet
http://pics.davesgarden.com/pics/suncatcheracres_1094131953_441.jpg