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Plant of the Month |
Heleconias are large-leaved exotics with vibrant colored flower bracts reminiscent of 'lobster claws'. These plants come in hundreds of stunning and ornate forms (there are about 185 species and 500 varieties of Heliconias), below are pictures of only a few of the varieties available. The species range in height from under 2' to over 18'. The flower bracts are large showy, erect or hanging and range in fiery colors of reds, yellows and oranges with other tints available. Some varieties from the Pacific Islands may have colorful foliage as well. Of the family Heliconiaceae they may be known as Lobster Claw or Parrot Beak Plants. Heleconias do best when conditions in the garden are as close to tropical as possible as they are native to the Tropical Americas and the Pacific Islands. |
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Plant Facts:
Common Name: Lobster Claw or Parrot Beak Plants
Botanical Name: Heliconia
Family: Heliconiaceae
Plant Type: Tropical evergreen bananalike plant with showy flower bracts
Origin: Tropical America and Pacific Islands
Zones: 9 - 12, require warm to very warm temperatures and high humidity to do their best
Height: 2'-18'
Rate of Growth: Fast
Salt Tolerance: None
Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil, possibly semi-aquatic
Water Requirements: Water freely, heavily mulch
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, Top-dress in late winter
Light Requirements: Full sun to deep shade
Form: Erect and bananalike
Leaves: Large ovate -- rich green or variegated, colorful bracts surrounding small tubular flowers
Flowers: Red, Orange, Yellow and other tints. Flowers appear year round, but more plentiful during warm weather
Fruits: Red Seeds
Pests: Root borers, few other problems
Uses: Dramatic show piece, lush screening, border plantings or in containers
Bad Habits: Must be groomed to present most dramatic effect, cut spent flower stalks to the ground, prune foliage as needed to reveal flowers
Cost: $$ -- reasonable
Propagation: Clump division or division of single pseudostems with an intact piece of rhizome
Sources: The Subtropical Garden;
Tropical Gardening
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Last updated 06/03/08
