About
Heliconia psittacorum, the parakeet flower, is a clump-forming tropical perennial producing narrow, paddle-shaped leaves and upright flower spikes bearing small, orange, red or yellow waxy bracts with green-tipped flowers. One of the more compact and free-flowering of the heliconias, making it suitable for containers as well as heated greenhouse borders.
About the genus
Heliconia are rhizomatous, tropical perennials from the Americas and Pacific Islands producing large, paddle-shaped leaves and bold, erect or pendent flower spikes made up of brilliantly coloured, waxy bracts enclosing small flowers. Grown in heated glasshouses and frost-free tropical gardens.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
PruningRemove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed as appropriate.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.