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CURCUMA alismatifolia

Image of Curcuma alismatifolia

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Zingiberaceae

Botanical Name

CURCUMA alismatifolia

Plant Common Name

Hidden Ginger, Siam Tulip

General Description

What a pretty warm season tropical for the garden. Hidden ginger is an herbaceous ornamental that originates from Southeast Asia. In early summer through to fall it bears columns of inconspicuous yellow and white flowers which are nestled among showy white, pink or mauve bracts. The rich green to blue-green foliage is sometimes pleated and attractive in and of itself. In fall this ginger becomes dormant and will re-emerge when temperatures warm in spring.

Hidden 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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 9

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

  • Native To

    Southeastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Pink, Light Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Blue Green, Yellow Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No