Curcuma also known as Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial. Part of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family, it is native to Southern Asia and India. There are about 100 different species of Curcuma where some can be used for foods and dyes while other species are used as ornament plants in gardens. Usually the plants have long stalked broad leaves that emerge from rhizomes from spring until autumn where they go into dormancy over the winter. Most have large showy flower spikes that come in a variety of colors ranging from pinks, whites, oranges and yellows. Their bracts also come in different colors. Flowering times usually start late spring early summer. Depending on the variety will depend on what shows first, the foliage or the flowers. Check your varieties before planting as some varieties like full sun while others like shade but they all need moist well-draining soil. Some varieties will need protection from wind and direct sun.