Overview
Heliconia vellerigera is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Heliconia, part of the Heliconiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliconia vellerigera 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 vellerigera is a cultivar of the Heliconia genus, a group of herbaceous plants known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with well-drained, moist loam soil of neutral pH. It produces long clustered leaves and pendulous panicles with vibrant, waxy bracts in spring and summer. Suitable for patio and container planting as well as flower borders, Heliconia vellerigera requires watering during establishment and can be propagated by seed sown in heat or by 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 vellerigera 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 vellerigera
- 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 vellerigera?
Heliconia vellerigera prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliconia vellerigera need?
Heliconia vellerigera grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliconia vellerigera hardy in the UK?
Heliconia vellerigera 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 vellerigera?
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'