Siam Tulip
Family
Zingiberaceae
Origin
Thailand
Description
Curcuma alismatifolia, commonly called Siam tulip, is a rhizomatous tropical perennial in the ginger family that grows to 2 tall. it grows on tall, upright and strong stems with pink blossoms appearing early summer until the fall.
Inflorescences, stems and leaves of this plant resemble the flowers, stems and leaves of tulips, hence the common name 'Siam tulip'.Each inflorescence consists of showy, petal-like, bracts that surround the tiny, lavender-white, true flowers. The true flowers are seen only if they curl around the bracts edges. Each inflorescence appears atop a rigid, reed-like stem that grows to 2 tall from a clump of narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
Siam tulip is a repeat bloomer that produces abundant inflorescences in summer Plants go dormant in winter
Environment
Curcuma Rhizomes prefer medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. For indoor planting make sure your container should contain drainage holes. Some pebbles or little rocks in the bottom of the container can help and improve the drainage. Keep the soil moist but do not overwater. Use humus rich compost with equal quantity of horticultural sand mixed to make the compost well drained and light. Slow release fertilizers can be used.
The best place would be to plant and store the Curcuma plant in a partial shaded area and not too much exposure to direct sunlight, as the Curcuma foliage does not like too much strong sunlight.
Landscape Use
Looks superb grown in groups within the flower bed and border, or equally as effective planted and grown on the patio in pots or containers
