Curcuma alismatifolia White - Siam Tulip

The Curcuma alismatifolia 'White' provides stunning green and white bracts in which tiny pale mauve and white flowers are embedded. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that unfortunately lacks the taste and medicinal virtues of the turmeric used in cooking, however, this variety will be perfect to bring exoticism to the garden.

The Curcuma alismatifolia 'White' belongs to the zingiberaceae family. The natural variety grows in Cambodia, Myanmar, and especially in Thailand, which has earned it the nicknames of Thai Tulip or Siam Tulip.

The habit of this ornamental turmeric is erect, its semi-evergreen foliage is alternate and ensate (sword-shaped) and has sheathing petioles. Along the floral stem, a multitude of bracts resembling green scales and then white scales, tinged with bronze as they approach the top, overlap. In the axils of these scales, the small flowers are embedded, which mature to 2cm (1in) in diameter and emit an enchanting fragrance. The turmeric will produce even more beautiful flowers in a rich and light neutral soil, appreciating a little constant humidity. If you live in dry, coastal regions, you can leave the rhizomes in the ground during winter. In all other cases, dig them up and store them during the off-season, similar to Dahlias. You can also grow them in pots that you can shelter in a conservatory during winter, for example. This cultivation method will allow you to place these pots near windows and terraces during flowering time to enjoy them up close. The Curcuma alismatifolia exists in several colours, pink, white, purple. Don't hesitate to vary the pleasures and play with the whole range of fresh colours.