Curcuma alismatifolia

Common Names

Siam Tulip, Siam Tulips, Summer Tulip, Summer Tulips, Java Tulip, Hidden Ginger, Ginger

Summary

Native to Thailand and Cambodia, this tropical rhizomatous perennial in the Zingiberaceae features an upright habit with long lanceolate bright green leaves up to about 1 m tall and spires of bracted inflorescences; lower bracts are green with purple edges, while upper bracts range from pink to magenta to violet, with small true flowers violet and yellow.

It requires bright light with protection from peak sun and warm, humid conditions, outdoor growth in warm months or indoor cultivation in cooler periods, with well-draining soil that is fertile and slightly acidic to neutral; rhizomes should be planted 5–7 cm deep and kept in a moist, high-humidity environment; feed every two weeks in spring and summer with a balanced NPK fertilizer and micronutrients, then stop in autumn; propagate by rhizome division in spring; common pests include aphids and red spider mites, and rhizome rot can occur from overwatering; not edible and often used in floral design and interior decoration.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

18-24 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade; tolerates full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, moist, organic-rich loamy soil (pH 5.5–7.0); ideal mix: peat + leaf mulch + coarse sand

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Pink, Purple, White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing, reaches full height in 3–5 years.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Rhizome cuttings, Basal offset division, Micropropagation

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts birds