Jesse Saylor
Family
Zingiberaceae
Botanical Name
CURCUMA alismatifolia 'Aussie Plume'
Plant Common Name
Aussie Plume Ginger, Hidden Ginger, Siam Tulip
General Description
The tall, impressive hidden ginger cultivar ‘Aussie Plume’ has bright rose-pink bracts and beautiful bold leaves with distinctive pleats. It was bred in Australia and is more sun-loving than most.
This tropical, herbaceous ornamental originates from Southeast Asia. In early summer through to fall it bears columns of inconspicuous yellow and white flowers that are nestled within showy bright rosy pink bracts. The rich green foliage is beautifully pleated and attractive in and of itself. In fall it becomes dormant and will re-emerge when temperatures warm in spring.
This ginger prefers high humidity, partial sun to partial shade, and sandy loam rich in organic matter. It makes a nice specimen for tropical gardens.
Hidden ginger is hardier than other gingers and can survive winters up to zone 8 and possibly 7 if planted in a protected location. In colder zones it may be planted outside, but its rhizomes must be dug and stored in a cool dry location for the winter.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Southeastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Hot Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
