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
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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
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
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
White, Yellow, Pink, Light Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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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
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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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