Siam Tulip

The Thai tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia), so named because of its superficial resemblance to tulips, is actually a ginger related to the spice plant Turmeric (Curcuma longa). This plant is a perfect choice for people just starting out with gingers. Many gingers are slow to bloom and then only bloom once a year, but not Curcuma alismatifolia. These lovely little gingers bloom all Summer long.

How To Grow Curcuma alismatifolia

Curcuma alismatifolia grows in open grasslands in Thailand, and so they need nearly full sun to thrive. I have grown them in the shade, and they still bloom and grow quite well, but the inflorescences tend to be too weak to support themselves, and they flop over under their own weight. As long as you give them enough light and rich well drained soil, these will be spectacular performers in your garden. When they are happy they will readily multiply. So you really only need to buy one plant, and in a couple of seasons you will have more of them than you will know what to do with. Of course, there are many different cultivars other than the wild fuschia colored varieties. After growing one, you’ll want them all.

Like all Curcumas, these go completely dormant, and need to be kept dry during this period or they will rot. In zones lower than 9b, they should be dug up, Wintered indoors in a paper bag, and replanted in the Spring. In this way they can be grown almost anywhere in the US.

Origin

Thailand.

Family

Zingiberaceae.

Binomial nomenclature

Curcuma alismatifolia.

Common names

Thai tulip, Siam tulip.

Description

Pseudostems with lanceolate opposite leaves grow in a tight cluster from compact rhizomes. The terminal inflorescence emerges after the foliage has already finished growing. The corollas grow sequentially, and are white with dark purple labellums. The bracts toward the top of the inflorescence are large, petal like, and are usually a vibrant fuschia color. There are many cultivars with bracts of different colors, ranging from white to purple.

Height

18″-24″ tall.

Temperature/Zone

zone 9b, 32°F. This plant needs warm humid conditions when it is growing, but it goes completely dormant in the Fall, making it a good choice for gardeners in colder climates. Simply dig up the rhizome when it goes dormant, and store it indoors in a paper bag until Spring.

Light

Full sun to part shade.

Water

Keep them evenly moist while they are growing, and completely dry when they are dormant.

Fertilizer

I use a balanced fertilizer while they are growing. Make sure they are getting an adequate amount of phosphorus. Do not fertilize in the Winter.

Cultivation

Curcuma alismatifolia is a very easy ginger to grow. It prefers rich, well drained soil.

Pests

I have not found any pests to be a problem for this plant in Florida.