Overview
Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' 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 'Red Barbados' is an evergreen, columnar upright heliconia grown under glass for its tall flowering stems. It flowers from July to October and suits sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing positions in a conservatory or greenhouse. It prefers neutral loam that remains moist but drains freely and does well in full sun or partial shade. As H1a (tender), it must be kept frost-free through winter.
About the genus
Heliconia is a genus of flowering plants in the monotypic family Heliconiaceae. Most of the 194 known species are native to the tropical Americas, but a few are indigenous to certain islands of the western Pacific and Maluku in Indonesia. Many species of Heliconia are found in the tropical forests of these regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Heliconia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heliconia
In the garden
Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' is a member of the Heliconiaceae grown as a conservatory or greenhouse specimen, valued for its upright habit and summer–autumn flowering. Plants are evergreen and form a clear columnar outline, so allow space for the flowering stems to emerge above the foliage between July and October. Position in a sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing spot under glass where it receives full sun to bright, filtered light. Use a neutral loam or a loam-based compost that drains freely while retaining moisture; keep the root run consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim for a sheltered exposure to avoid cold draughts, since its UK hardiness is H1a (tender) and it must be protected from frost. This heliconia adapts well to large tubs or patio containers for summer display and can be moved into conservatory beds for flowering. It is appropriate for patio and container plants or for planting into prepared flower borders and beds inside a heated glasshouse. Expect upright flower stems to rise through the canopy from mid-summer and continue into October, so site the plant where those stems can be appreciated without obstruction.
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 'Red Barbados' 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 'Red Barbados'
- 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 'Red Barbados'?
Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' need?
Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia caribaea 'Red Barbados' 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 'Red Barbados'?
Seed sown in heat in spring, Division in spring.
