Overview
Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' 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 caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' is a cultivar of Heliconia, a genus of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. It is suited to sheltered positions with south, west, or east-facing aspects. Typically grown as a patio or container plant, or in flower borders and beds, it requires protection in the UK climate (H1a hardiness). Propagation is by seed sown in heat or by division in spring, with interest during spring and summer.
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 caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' 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 caribaea 'Prince of Darkness'
- 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 caribaea 'Prince of Darkness'?
Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' need?
Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness' 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 caribaea 'Prince of Darkness'?
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 bourgaeana
- Heliconia caribaea
- Heliconia caribaea 'Dominican Yellow'
- Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea'