Overview
Heliconia bourgaeana is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia bourgaeana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Heliconia bourgaeana is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, a group of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in conservatories or greenhouses, favouring full sun or partial shade with a sheltered aspect. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Flowering in spring and summer, it produces vibrant, waxy bracts on pendulous panicles. Suitable for patio containers and flower borders, it requires propagation by seed sown in heat or by division in spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heliconia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Heliconia bourgaeana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heliconia bourgaeana
- Propagation
- Seed sown in heat in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, snails
- Disease resistance
- Phytophthora root rot, Pythium stem rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heliconia bourgaeana?
Heliconia bourgaeana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia bourgaeana need?
Heliconia bourgaeana grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia bourgaeana hardy in the UK?
Heliconia bourgaeana has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Heliconia bourgaeana?
Seed sown in heat in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Heliconia genus
- Heliconia 'Golden Torch'
- Heliconia 'Guyana'
- Heliconia angusta 'Holiday'
- Heliconia angusta 'Yellow Christmas'
- Heliconia caribaea
- Heliconia caribaea 'Dominican Yellow'
- Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness'
- Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea'