Curcuma xanthorrhiza — Clump forming, Columnar upright

Overview

Curcuma xanthorrhiza is a clump forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Curcuma, part of the Zingiberaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Curcuma xanthorrhiza grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical, houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Curcuma zanthorrhiza, known as temulawak, Java ginger, Javanese ginger, or Javanese turmeric is a plant species, belonging to the ginger family. It is known in Javanese as temulawak, in Sundanese as koneng gede (large turmeric) and in Madurese as temu labak. The scientific name is sometimes written as Curcuma xanthorrhiza, but this is an orthographical variant. Currently, most of the temu lawak is cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical, houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Curcuma zanthorrhiza

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Curcuma

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H1a

Plant details

Curcuma xanthorrhiza size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbs - Culinary
Habit: Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse