Siam Sparkling Ornamental Ginger

Siam Sparkling Ornamental Ginger (Curcuma hybrid 'Siam Sparkling') is a delicately pretty tulip ginger with pastel pink-white, cup-shaped flowers, each petal tipped in soft apple green. It reaches about 50cm tall and wide, a little taller than the other varieties, and is a little more shade tolerant too. That makes it a good pick for tropical underplanting.

Why you'll love it

• Soft pastel flowers. Large pale pink-white bracts, tipped with apple green, give a gentle colour that sits well with bold foliage.
• More shade tolerant. It takes a little more shade than its curcuma cousins, which widens the places it can go.
• Long-lasting display. Flowers are produced from late spring to autumn, and the bracts last up to two months on the plant.
• Lavender-purple centres. Look closely and you will see the true lavender-purple flowers nestled inside the bracts.
• Compact. At about 50cm it suits pots, borders and the front of a tropical bed.

Where it works best

Tropical underplanting. Plant 40cm apart beneath palms, bananas and tall shrubs where the light is dappled, and the pale blooms will lift the shadows.

Garden borders. A sheltered border with a little shade suits it best, and the soft colours blend with greens, whites and silvers.

Patio pots. A generous pot keeps it handy for display. Potted plants can come indoors for short stays, so rotate them to even out the light.

Growing Siam Sparkling Ornamental Ginger in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny to partly shaded, in a sheltered spot out of the wind and frost. These gingers come from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, so they like tropical and subtropical conditions. In warm temperate gardens grow it as a summer plant, and where frost occurs keep it in a pot under cover over winter.

Soil. Free-draining soil with mulch on top. Mulch helps to keep the rhizome moist and the soil temperature even.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks, and water well through dry periods. Apply a liquid fertiliser at the first sign of new shoots.

Pruning. The plant goes dormant and dies back in winter. Leave its untidy leaves until they are completely brown, because their nutrients go back into the rhizome.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Siam Sparkling Ornamental Ginger as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Our grower supplies this seasonal line and supply is not constant. The tube shows as sold out when there is none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. A young plant arrives small and builds into a flowering clump in warm weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ornamental gingers
• Plants for tropical climates
• Flowering plants
• A tropical garden that looks lush all year

Common questions

How does it differ from the other Siam tulips?

It is pastel pink-white with apple green tips, a little taller and a little more shade tolerant than the others.

Does it grow in shade?

It copes with more shade than other curcuma, but flowers best in a well-lit position with filtered or part sun.

What should I do in winter?

Let it die back. Leave the leaves until they are completely brown, then apply a liquid fertiliser when new shoots appear.