Overview
Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' 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 'Purpurea' is a cultivar of Heliconia, a genus of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in conservatories or greenhouses, preferring full sun to partial shade with a sheltered aspect. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. 'Purpurea' is suitable for patio and container planting as well as flower borders and beds, offering interest during spring and summer. Propagation is typically 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 caribaea 'Purpurea' 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 'Purpurea'
- 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 'Purpurea'?
Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' need?
Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea' 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 'Purpurea'?
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 'Prince of Darkness'