About
A very large, evergreen perennial with banana-like leaves up to 2m long. In spring and summer it produces hanging inflorescences made up of bright red bracts, each tipped with yellow and green, with yellowish-white flowers.
About the genus
Heliconia are a genus of herbaceous plants varying in height from 0.5m up to 4.5m. Leaves are long and form in clumps with age. Flowers are produced on drooping panicles and are made up of bright-coloured waxy bracts. Flower colour is varied, ranging from reds and oranges to yellows and greens.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS America
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a neutral, 50:50 mixture of peat substitute and coarse sand or grit, in bright, filtered light
PruningCut out faded flower stems and damaged or dying leaves
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in heat in spring, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceSusceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and snails
Disease resistancePhytophthora root rot and pythium stem rot may be a problem