Plant Profile: Heliconia

 

Heliconia is a beautiful, vibrant plant native to tropical places such as South America, Africa and Pacific Ocean islands.  There are more than 200 species in the genus, with the majority of them growing in rainforests or tropical wet forests. Depending on the variety, plants can grow to a height of 2 feet to 25 feet tall. These tropical plants are known for their waxy, colourful claw-like bracts, which come in shades of red, orange, and yellow; there are even some varieties that come in pink and lavender.

 

 Common Names: Lobster Claw, Parrot Flower, Firebird, Wild Plantain, False Bird-of-Paradise   Small flowers will appear from inside the bracts during the wet season, in shades or red, orange, yellow and green. Due to its floral shape, the flowers can only be pollinated by hummingbirds.    Heliconias are grown for the cut flower industry and as landscape plants. Like other tropical plants, they do not do well in cold, dry conditions. They are drought tolerant, but need an abundance of sunlight, water and rich, moist soil to thrive. Heavy mulching is highly recommended to keep the soil moist. They do best in climate zones: 10-12.  

 

Heliconia are popular cut flowers, as they are long lasting with a vase life of 10-21 days. They need to be harvested at their peak because the bracts do not develop any further after they are cut. Look for bracts that are glossy in texture, with bright vivid colours. Stem lengths can range from 20-60 inches tall. Stem thickness will vary. Generally speaking, those with the strongest, thickest stems will last the longest. They look visually striking displayed alone or in a small group, especially in tall floral arrangements. Heliconias are available all year round, with the peak season from June to October.

 

 Related Articles:  

• Tropical Flowers (funflowerfacts.com)
• A Gift Guide: Flowers for Men (growerdirect.com)