About
This tropical, evergreen perennial to 3m tall, forming a clump of large, banana-like leaves on long leaf stalks. In summer it produces exotic-looking, erect flowerspikes, composed of orangey-red bracts with a green line at the margin. Green-coloured, true flowers emerge from these bracts.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a 50:50 mix of peat substitute and coarse sand or grit, in bright, filtered light. Water freely in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks; water sparingly in winter
PruningCut out faded flowers stems and tatty foliage
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot and Pythium