This is a rare natural hybrid of Curcuma alismatifolia (Tulip Ginger) and Curcuma petiolata. In the years since it was introduced (we brought it to the US first!) it has unfortunately been erroneously labeled as Ladderwan. ‘Wan’ is a Thai name for many gingers, Ladda is the name of the company that introduced it.. Ladder is something you climb. This hybrid is what a hybrid should be, a combination of the best traits of both and lacking the faults of the parents. Traditional Curcuma alismatifolia are more disease prone and often don’t acclimate to the South very well, but they have great stems and form and are great cut flowers. Curcuma petiolata is more stout and hardy in Zone 8 but is not such a hot cut flower with its short vase life. Its stem is also shorter. ‘Laddawan’ is great in the landscape, as a pot plant, cut flower and more. The blooms are held above the foliage like Tulip Gingers, the leaves are resistant to disease, the vase life is good, and the plants are reliably cold hardy.
Grows to 1.5-2 feet in medium sun. Zone 8 and above