Tropical Snow Ornamental Ginger

Tropical Snow Ornamental Ginger (Curcuma alismatifolia 'Tropical Snow') is a leafy ginger that flowers lily-white with a touch of green. The blooms are larger than those of other curcuma and stay fresh on the plant for up to two months. It grows to about 50cm tall and wide, and likes a sunny to part shaded spot protected from wind and frost.

Why you'll love it

• Lily-white flowers. Large white bracts with a hint of green give a clean, cool look among the lush greens of a tropical bed.
• Larger blooms. The flowers are bigger than those of other curcuma, which makes a stronger show at 50cm tall.
• A long vase life. Flowers last well when cut, so you can bring the tropical look indoors.
• Handsome leaves. The foliage is rich green with a deep burgundy stripe along the centre.
• Small and portable. Compact enough for a pot you can move to the best spot.

Where it works best

Garden beds and borders. Plant 40cm apart in a sheltered, well-lit bed. The pale flowers stand out against dark foliage and bark mulch.

Containers and patios. A big pot on a sunny to part shaded patio suits it, and you can move it to shelter from wind or frost.

Flower arranging. Cut stems last well in a vase and bring a tropical luxe look indoors.

Growing Tropical Snow Ornamental Ginger in Australia

Position and climate. A sun to part shade position in a sheltered spot, out of the wind and frost. The species is a tropical plant, so it is most at home in tropical and subtropical gardens, and in warm temperate gardens it works as a summer plant. In frost-prone districts grow it in a pot and keep it under cover during winter.

Soil. Free-draining soil, with mulch over the top to hold moisture around the rhizome.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep watering through dry periods. At the first sign of new shoots, apply a liquid fertiliser. Potted plants brought inside for short periods should be rotated for even light.

Pruning. It dies back in winter. Do not remove the untidy leaves until they have completely browned, because the plant draws their nutrients back into the rhizome.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tropical Snow Ornamental Ginger as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Curcuma is a seasonal line from our grower, so the tube is not always available. It shows as sold out when the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. A young plant starts small and flowers as it fills out 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

• Browse ornamental gingers
• Tropical plants
• Indoor flowering plants
• Designing a lush tropical garden

Common questions

Can I cut the flowers?

Yes. They have an extended vase life, which makes them a good choice for flower arranging.

How long do the flowers last?

Up to two months on the plant. Cut stems also keep well in a vase.

Does it need protection?

Yes. Plant it in a sheltered position and protect it from wind and frost, using a pot in colder districts so you can move it under cover.