Overview
Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' 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 latispatha is a plant species native to southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America and naturalized in Florida and Jamaica. It is an herbaceous perennial up to 4 m tall, with leaves resembling those of bananas.
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 latispatha 'Orange Gyro' 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 latispatha 'Orange Gyro'
- 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 latispatha 'Orange Gyro'?
Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' need?
Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia latispatha 'Orange Gyro' 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 latispatha 'Orange Gyro'?
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'