Kaempferia rotunda

Common Names

Peacock Ginger, Round-Rooted Galangal, Bhumi Champa, Resurrection Lily, Indian Crocus, Tropical Crocus

Summary

This tropical ginger is a perennial herb with underground rhizomes, native to Southeast Asia. It features attractive foliage with silver markings and purple undersides, and produces fragrant flowers on shoots from the rhizome when leaves are absent. Dormancy occurs in the dry season.

It thrives in warm, humid tropical to subtropical climates and is not winter hardy, with hardiness to zones 10–12. Growers should provide well-drained fertile loam soil, regular watering without waterlogging, and light to partial shade. Propagation is by dividing rhizomes during dormancy, with each division having at least one growing point. In cultivation, it is grown as an ornamental with decorative foliage and fragrant flowers, and rhizomes and young leaves are edible and used to flavor food.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-48 inches

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, loamy soil that retains moisture but is not waterlogged and is rich in organic matter.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Indigo

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green foliage with silver markings and purple undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

Green to Light Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate (can become vigorous under optimal conditions)

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and division of rhizomes (including offsets)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinators