I grow them and love them too. They are in the ginger family and are curcumas. They do go down for the winter so remember where you planted them, but they'll be back in the spring again. I cut up tomato cages and use them to mark the spot where they are growing, so I don't plant something on top of them in the winter. :o)

I planted some for a neighbor six years ago. They come back every summer and bloom for weeks.

anyone know where i can get some?

Home Depot, Lowes, WalMart. They're all over the place.

i never shop at any of those place, but i guess i can make an exception. thanks!

I had to google this plant to find out about it so am adding the link for others. Now that I see the pictures, I know I've seen it recently at my local big box store too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Siam Tulip

Is this also known as Blue Ginger?

The Blue Ginger is a different plant and I've been unsuccessful in growing it. I've tried twice but it died so I don't know what the secret is.
Check out the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Ginger

Blue ginger is actually not a ginger, but is in the wandering jew family. I have some, should you want.

Thanks for the clarification. Turns out that I have Siam Tulip, but thought it was blue ginger! Ah well, I've never been good with plant names.

I love siam tulips too! They are very reliable and come back year after year. I have both the white and pink ones. Here's a picture from a couple years ago.

I've tried blue ginger but haven't been able to get it to grow well. It never seems to get over a foot tall although it has bloomed once.

I haven't been able to grow blue ginger either, yet a gal in Palm city had a clump taller then me and beautiful. She was only a half hour away. Go figure!!

I planted Siam tulips and heliconia together last year and they both died back in the heat and drought of late summer but both are back this year, the ginger is just starting to bloom.