Heliconia rostrata dwarf — Columnar upright

Overview

Heliconia rostrata dwarf is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia rostrata dwarf 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 rostrata dwarf is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, which includes herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and long clustered leaves. This evergreen plant produces pendulous panicles with vibrant, waxy bracts in various colours during spring and summer. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing aspects with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for patios, containers, and flower borders, it requires protection in the UK climate (H1a) and can be propagated by seed sown in heat or 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 rostrata dwarf 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 rostrata dwarf

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