Ginger - Curcuma "Maejo Elite"

Plant name: Ginger – Curcuma ‘Maejo Elite’

Scientific name: Curcuma alismatifolia ‘Maejo Elite’

Plant description:
Curcuma ‘Maejo Elite’ is a tropical ornamental ginger grown for its upright flower bracts and lush foliage. This rhizomatous perennial emerges in warm weather, producing strong stems topped with vibrant blooms that resemble tulips. It forms clumps over time, creating a full, vertical presence in garden beds and containers. Its structured growth and extended bloom period make it a reliable choice for seasonal color in warm climates or as a patio specimen in cooler regions.

Flower description:
‘Maejo Elite’ produces tall, layered bracts in vivid shades of pink with subtle green accents at the base. The true flowers are small and tubular, emerging between the showy bracts. Blooms rise above the foliage on sturdy stems and typically appear from late spring through summer under favorable conditions. The upright bracts hold their color well and make strong cut flowers.

Leaf description:
Leaves are broad, lance-shaped, and medium green with a smooth surface and pronounced central midrib. Foliage emerges from underground rhizomes and forms a dense clump that provides a rich backdrop to the vertical flower spikes.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Herbaceous perennial that goes dormant in cooler temperatures and reemerges from rhizomes with sustained warmth.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11 outdoors; grown as a seasonal container plant or overwintered indoors in colder climates.

Mature height and width:
Typically 2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, forming upright clumps.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for tropical-themed gardens, mixed borders, shaded patios, and decorative containers. Its vertical blooms provide height and structure among lower-growing foliage plants. Also effective in cut flower arrangements due to the long-lasting bracts.

Native range:
Curcuma alismatifolia is native to Southeast Asia; ‘Maejo Elite’ is a cultivated ornamental selection.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in partial sun to bright filtered light. In hotter climates, protection from intense afternoon sun helps maintain foliage quality. Adequate light supports strong stems and vibrant bract color.

Water requirements:
Requires consistently moist, well-drained soil during active growth and flowering. Avoid waterlogged conditions that can cause rhizome rot. Reduce watering when the plant begins to enter dormancy.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance but may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Poor drainage can lead to rhizome rot. Maintaining balanced moisture and good airflow supports healthy growth.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles warm, humid conditions well when soil moisture is steady. Sensitive to frost; foliage declines with cold exposure, and rhizomes require protection in freezing climates.

Growing tips:
Plant in rich, organic soil that drains well yet retains consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage strong blooms. Allow foliage to die back naturally at the end of the season to support rhizome health. In cooler climates, grow in containers to simplify seasonal protection. Position where the upright pink bracts can serve as a focal accent in layered plantings.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.