Heliconia 'Exotica Tropic' — Columnar upright

Overview

Heliconia 'Exotica Tropic' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia 'Exotica Tropic' 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 'Exotica Tropic' is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, a group of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This cultivar thrives in conservatories or greenhouses, preferring full sun to partial shade and a sheltered aspect such as south, west, or east-facing positions. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, showcasing the genus's characteristic pendulous panicles with vibrant, waxy bracts. It is suitable for patio containers, flower borders, and beds, requiring protection in the UK climate as it is hardy to H1a.

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 'Exotica Tropic' 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 'Exotica Tropic'

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