Kaempferia is a genus in the Zingiberaceae family found in southern & southeastern Asia. These gingers grow from small globular rhizomes which grow fleshy roots. Most are low growing which colorfully marked foliage. Flowers either emerge in the spring just prior to the foliage or with the foliage continuing flowering through the summer. Most species naturally go dormant for a portion of the year.
Kaempferia galanga is used as a tasty culinary herb in certain Asian cuisines. Different but used in cooking similarly that Alpinia galanga. Hardy to at least zone 8, surviving short duration freezes to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaves are plain green in this form, but it still makes an attractive display. Photos by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia laotica is reputed by some ginger experts to be misapplied to this form, but for now this is the name. This species is vigorous & hardy at least to zone 8, tolerates partial sun as long as the location is not too hot.
'Satin Checks' Photos by Alani Davis.
'Shazaam' Photos by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia pulchra a highly variable species with many variants in distribution. Hardy at least to zone 8. Leaves emerge from dormancy from May to June & plants begin flowering immediately, producing flowers through the summer & fall when they go dormant, losing their foliage. Prefers light-moderate shade.
Kaempferia p. pulchra 'Bronze' is a deep burgundy leaved form with variable pewter markings. Photos by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia p. pulchra'Silverspot' a selection of the above form with particular band patterns on the leaves made by Tom Wood. This selection retains foliage longer & if protected is semi evergreen. Photos by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia p. mansonii quickly grows into dense clumps. Leaves emerge highly pigmented, but are nearly patternless by the mid-summer. Though less colorful than some other forms, this form is especially vigorous & floriferous. Photos by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia pulchra 'Roscoe' is now considered a large white-flowered form of Kaempferia pulchra, but at one time was distributed as K. roscoeana, which is a different plant. There has been much confusion caused by clones of K. pulchra distributed as K. roscoeana & there are several clones distributed as K. pulchra 'Roscoe' as well. Some are white flowered, some are lavender flowered, but this form seems to be more distinct than others though it freely hybridizes with other K. pulchra clones. The plant produces a larger leaves than more "typical" K. pulchra forms. Leaves emerge heavily pigmented but these mature to predominately green with a series of brown/black eyelash marks. Photo by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia pulchra 'Bronze' × 'Roscoe' as yet unnamed hybrids of these two forms. Horticulturally, attractive with larger patterned leaves & large purple flowers with a white star pattern in the center. The commercially produced form distributed as 'Alva' is reputed to be of this parentage as well. Photos by Alani Davis.
Kaempferia rotunda is commonly referred to Asian Crocus, however flowers are more orchid-like in appearance. Appearing in the spring before the leaves, the flowers can be quite thick before being replaced by erect, elliptic foliage to 30 inches with burgundy undersides & silver patterns above, becoming deciduous in the fall. This is the "common" form but many more highly patterned forms will be available. Hardy to zone 7. Photos by Michelle Davis and Alani Davis.
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