Overview
Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' 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 schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' is a columnar upright, evergreen Heliconia grown for conservatory and greenhouse display. It flowers from July to October. The cultivar prefers full sun or partial shade in neutral loam that remains moist but drains freely and performs best in a sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing situation.
About the genus
Heliconia is a genus of flowering plants in the monotypic family Heliconiaceae. Most of the 194 known species are native to the tropical Americas, but a few are indigenous to certain islands of the western Pacific and Maluku in Indonesia. Many species of Heliconia are found in the tropical forests of these regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Heliconia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heliconia
In the garden
A member of the Heliconiaceae and a cultivar of the tropical genus Heliconia, Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' is typically grown under glass in the UK where its columnar upright habit suits restricted spaces. The genus originates in the tropical Americas, and this cultivar is used where a tall, vertical accent is required without a broad spread. Place plants where they receive full sun or a little dappled shade, using a loam-based compost with a neutral pH and good internal drainage; keep the rootball evenly moist rather than allowing it to dry out. Choose a sheltered aspect — south-, west- or east-facing — to reduce wind exposure, and avoid frost: the H1a rating means the plant is tender and should be kept frost-free, typically in a heated conservatory or greenhouse through winter. Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' suits patio containers and conservatory tubs as well as use as a seasonal specimen in flower borders and beds when protected. In summer it can be moved outdoors into a sunny, sheltered spot; under glass it will reliably produce its summer displays from July to October, making it a useful choice for extending the tropical look of an indoor planting scheme.
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 schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' 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 schiedeana 'Fire and Ice'
- 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 schiedeana 'Fire and Ice'?
Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' need?
Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' hardy in the UK?
Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' 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 schiedeana 'Fire and Ice'?
Seed sown in heat in spring, Division in spring.
