Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Zingiberaceae
Botanical Name
Curcuma
Plant Common Name
Ginger
General Description
A member of the ginger family, Curcuma comprises approximately 40 to 80 different species—all of tropical or subtropical origin. These are distributed from India to China and Indonesia with a few home to northern Australia.
The flowers of these commonly rhizomatous perennials are distinguished by columns of showy bracts that subtend tubular flowers. These are attractive to birds and butterflies.
Many cultivated species are grown as ornamentals, like the rose-pink bracted Siam tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia) and the pink and white bracted Curcuma aeruginosa. Even more notable are species grown for the essential culinary spices they provide. The golden orange eastern spice, turmeric, comes from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa and offer that earthy peppery flavor and bright color to curries.
These plants grow in variable locations and environments, but overall they prefer sites with bright filtered light, high humidity and fertile, evenly moist soil with good drainage. They are common conservatory or house plants in temperate locations.
The blooms are long-lasting when cut and make a bold statement in arrangements.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southern Asia, India, China, Melanesia, Micronesia, Australia
Growing Conditions
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Green, Orange, Pink, Magenta, Fuchsia, Rose, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
