Sorry to be late back to this thread;
Deebie, I saw the 'Siam Tulip' type of Curcuma at Lowe's and the plant/garden manager did a Smart Phone look-up; this is considered by retailers to be a 'half-hardy' in you zone (you are 8a; I'm 8b, so not that much difference). Retailers count on people to grow this as an annual; buying new ones each year. Not necessary to do that. The plant will go dormant for you in the cold months. As QueenEmma said, mulch, mulch, mulch. While the plant is dormant give it only minimal water and zero fertilizer. In the spring you should be rewarded with a healthy plant. That is my full extent of knowledge about this one.
