Siam tulip (Curcuma): vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Curcuma alismatifolia
Siam tulip (Curcuma) (Curcuma alismatifolia, family Zingiberaceae) usually lasts 7–14 days in a vase. In season: Summer. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: focal flower.
- Botanical name
- Curcuma alismatifolia
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Accepted name
- Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep.
- Role in a design
- Focal flower
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- In season
- Summer
- Fragrance
- None
- Colours
- pink, white, purple
- Type
- Cut flower
- Pets
- Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base — check the ASPCA list for the exact species
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Siam tulip (Curcuma)
- Botanical name
- Curcuma alismatifolia
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Aliases
- siam tulip
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Pink, White, Purple
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in summer
- Commercial supply
- Peak in summer
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- A tropical stem: avoid cold storage and drafts. Recut and place in clean water; the coloured parts are bracts.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Focal flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- A tropical stem: avoid cold storage and drafts. Recut and place in clean water; the coloured parts are bracts.
For florists
Try Siam tulip (Curcuma) in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- A tropical stem: avoid cold storage and drafts. Recut and place in clean water; the coloured parts are bracts.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 7–14 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as siam tulip (curcuma) and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Baby's breath | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
| Astrantia | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
| Love-lies-bleeding | Line flower | 7–10 days |
| Bells of Ireland | Line flower | 7–10 days |
| Hosta leaves | Foliage | 7–14 days |
| Sweet flag (acorus) | Foliage | 7–14 days |
Substitutes
When siam tulip (curcuma) is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisianthus | 7–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Calla lily | 7–10 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| Agapanthus | 7–10 days | Summer | None | — |
| Hydrangea | 5–7 days | Summer | None | mildly toxic |
FAQ
How long does siam tulip (curcuma) last in a vase?
Usually 7–14 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is siam tulip (curcuma) in season?
In season in summer; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep siam tulip (curcuma) fresh?
A tropical stem: avoid cold storage and drafts. Recut and place in clean water; the coloured parts are bracts.
What colours does siam tulip (curcuma) come in?
Naturally in pink, white, purple (not counting dyed stems).
What can I use instead of siam tulip (curcuma)?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Lisianthus, Calla lily, Agapanthus, Hydrangea.
Related guides
In season at the same time
SunflowerHydrangeaChamomileAstrantiaLove-lies-bleedingBells of IrelandBupleurumCanterbury bells