Dormant rhizomes available to order now for spring delivery. Orders will be shipped out based on your region’s last average freeze date. If a specific date is preferred please mention in your order comments.
Curcuma caesia is an interesting medicinal species originating in India. Though not used as a spice per say, this species is called ‘Black Turmeric.’ The name refers to the blue, often dark blue, color of the rhizome interior. Medicinally it is used for muscle aches and pains and a host of other ailments. As an ornamental Curcuma caesia holds its own. It is primarily a spring bloomer but well established clumps can also bloom in summer. The inflorescences are topped with dark pink bracts and the individual yellow flowers are surrounded by red true petals. The central stripe on the foliage is a very dark red/purple and really pops. One unique feature of this species is the the upper surface of the leaves. They are covered in fine but stiff hairs, unlike any other cultivated type with few exceptions such as C. plicata and other rare species. For a spring blooming species this is perhaps the shortest of the medicinal types, topping out at 3’ usually. It makes a very attractive landscape plant.
Grows to 3-4′ in medium sun. Hardy in Zones 8 and above