Curcuma sp. ‘Summer Snow’ was introduced to the US from Thailand several years ago and had a brief commerical appearance before falling into obscurity. Without a wholesale source to provide them many rare gingers are introduced briefly then vanish. Only collectors and specialty growers such as Gingerwood Nursery keep such varieties going. We are still trying to find some, and building numbers on others. Fortunately this red stem easy to grow variety is ready for 2020. ‘Summer Snow’ has branching rhizomes so it is in the medicinal/edible group but what it is species wise is a mystery. The inflorescence is similar to Curcuma longa (Turmeric) but the flowers have red petals which is not heard of in C. longa. Most importantly though this cultivar has beautiful red petioles (stems) similar to the much taller spring bloomers Scarlet Fever and Red Herring. The shorter habit and summer blooming of ‘Summer Snow’ make it better for large pots and middle areas of the flower bed.
Grows to 3′ in medium sun, hardy in Zones 8 and above