Overview
Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' 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 orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, which consists of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in conservatories or greenhouses, preferring full sun or partial shade in a sheltered, south-, west-, or east-facing aspect. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. The flowers appear on pendulous panicles in spring and summer, showcasing the vibrant, waxy bracts characteristic of Heliconia species.
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 orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' 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 orthotrica 'Total Eclipse'
- 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 orthotrica 'Total Eclipse'?
Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' need?
Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia orthotrica 'Total Eclipse' 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 orthotrica 'Total Eclipse'?
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'