Overview
Heliconia 'Golden Torch' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia 'Golden Torch' 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 'Golden Torch' is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, a group of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This conservatory greenhouse plant thrives in fertile, well-drained loam soil with neutral pH, requiring moist but well-drained conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and a sheltered aspect, such as south-, west-, or east-facing positions. Noted for its vibrant, waxy bracts, 'Golden Torch' is particularly attractive in spring and summer, making it suitable for patios, containers, and flower borders. It is hardy to H1a and can be propagated 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 'Golden Torch' 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 'Golden Torch'
- 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 'Golden Torch'?
Heliconia 'Golden Torch' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia 'Golden Torch' need?
Heliconia 'Golden Torch' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia 'Golden Torch' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia 'Golden Torch' 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 'Golden Torch'?
Seed sown in heat in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Heliconia genus
- Heliconia 'Guyana'
- Heliconia angusta 'Holiday'
- Heliconia angusta 'Yellow Christmas'
- Heliconia bourgaeana
- Heliconia caribaea
- Heliconia caribaea 'Dominican Yellow'
- Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness'
- Heliconia caribaea 'Purpurea'