Felder Rushing
Family
Zingiberaceae
Botanical Name
CURCUMA petiolata
Plant Common Name
Queen Ginger, Queen Lily
General Description
One of the hardier Curcuma species, queen ginger is a deciduous ornamental that can survive chilling temperatures to zone 7. This native of Burma and Malaysia offers a tropical look to cooler regions and is surprisingly easy to grow.
The broad showy leaves of queen ginger are rich green and ribbed with parallel pleats. These rise to from a neat upright clump that will spread over time via creeping rhizomes. In summer it produces showy columns of yellow and white flowers lined with white and pink bracts (petal-like leaves). The flower columns are often described as cone-like.
Like most Curcuma this species prefers bright indirect light and fertile but well-drained soil. Good draining soil is especially needed during moist winters because the rhizomes of dormant plants are prone to rot. Plants can be divided in fall or spring. Queen ginger is late to emerge from dormancy, so don't lose hope if it is slow to grow in spring.
This is an ideal plant for wooded gardens or sheltered foundation plantings. Queen ginger is also amenable to containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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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
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Width
24"-28" / 61.0cm - 71.1cm
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Bloom Time
Summer
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Native To
Southern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
