Currently available as dormant rhizomes, growing plants will be available in early summer
Curcuma sp. ‘Red Herring’ – Sometimes disappointment can turn into major excitement as is the case with this winning landscape plant. When I first got this I was disappointed when it srpouted as I assumed it was “just” C. ‘Scarlet Fever.’ However, when it bloomed I was excited to see MASSIVE inflorescenses as large as Curcuma elata. These blooms are consistently produced every spring (Scarlet Fever is a shy bloomer). After growing both for a few years I would say Scarlet Fever has slightly prettier red stems and is still worth growing for the foliage. ‘Red Herring’ will fool most with its similar red stems and foliage (hence the name) but close inspection does show some differences. It has been a very hardy plant but not a very fast grower so its taken a few years to be able to share any. This will become one of the standard landscape gingers for the south in coming years! Grows 5-6 feet in medium sun. Hardy in Zone 8 and above.