Overview
Heliconia tortuosa is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia tortuosa 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 tortuosa is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, which includes herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in conservatories or greenhouses, preferring full sun to partial shade in a sheltered, south-, west-, or east-facing position. It grows best in moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. The flowers appear in spring and summer on pendulous panicles with vibrant, waxy bracts. Heliconia tortuosa is suitable for patio and container planting as well as flower borders and beds, requiring watering during establishment.
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 tortuosa 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 tortuosa
- 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 tortuosa?
Heliconia tortuosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia tortuosa need?
Heliconia tortuosa grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia tortuosa hardy in the UK?
Heliconia tortuosa 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 tortuosa?
Seed sown in heat in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Heliconia genus
- Heliconia 'Golden Torch'
- Heliconia 'Guyana'
- Heliconia angusta 'Holiday'
- Heliconia angusta 'Yellow Christmas'
- Heliconia bourgaeana
- Heliconia caribaea
- Heliconia caribaea 'Dominican Yellow'
- Heliconia caribaea 'Prince of Darkness'