Photo of Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise' flower by Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Photo by Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise'

Also Known As

  • Indian Surprise Hidden Cone Ginger

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 2'-4'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 7b-11

More Options

Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise' plant details

Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green and red foliage. In fall and summer magenta and white flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise'

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: zingiberaceae
Foliage: deciduous green and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: magenta and white blooms in fall and summer
Uses: tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise'

USDA Zones: 7b - 11
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise' is a spectacular flowering ginger with large, long-lasting, cone-like inflorescences of white and pink bracts from which emerge tubular yellow flowers. The tropical foliage resembles banana leaves. They emerge with summer heat in our temperate climate and bloom in late summer and fall. Treat them to warm, well watered, rich soils while in growth. In their native climate, Curcuma go dormant in dry conditions and begin to grow in response to the arrival of monsoon season. But they can be kept in growth as a houseplant. They are part of the genus that includes the spice turmeric, Curcuma longa.

Gardening facts about Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise' plant

How to Grow Curcuma aeruginosa 'Indian Surprise'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • magenta
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Curcuma for your garden

aka Pink Wonder Hidden Cone Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 2'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Curcuma zedoaria 'Pink Wonder' flower by Leafari
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aka Curcuma roscoeana 'Pride of Burma', Burmese Hidden Lily, Jewel of Burma Ginger, Orange Ginger, Orange Hidden Ginger, Pride of Burma Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 24"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Curcuma roscoeana flower, foliage, form by Meneerke bloem
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aka Curcuma 'Bicolor Wonder', Curcuma zedoaria 'Bicolour Wonder', Bicolour Wonder Hidden Cone Ginger, Ginger Bicolor

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-7'

Width: 2'-5'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Curcuma zedoaria 'Bicolor Wonder' flower by Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.
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aka Curcuma zedoaria 'White Wonder', White Wonder Hardy Ginger, White Wonder Hidden Cone Ginger

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Curcuma 'White Wonder' flower by Leafari
View Plant

More Options

aka Blue Tung Siam Tulip

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Curcuma alismatifolia 'Blue Tung' flower by Tejas Tropicals
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