Heliconia is a tropical perennial plant known for its stunning and exotic flowers!
Native to tropical America and the South Pacific, heliconia belongs to the fascinating Heliconiaceae family. Its common names include lobster claw plant, parrot flower, or the distinctive beak flower.
There are more than 200 species of heliconia! Many of them grow wild in tropical rainforests around the world. Unfortunately, some of them are rare or endangered due to habitat loss and climate change.
Heliconia ranks highly in the world’s cut flower trade. The major growers and exporters of heliconia are Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, Guatemala, Thailand and India.
Bracts and Flowers
Heliconia comes in all sizes and shapes and a wonderful array of colors: red, fuchsia, purple, yellow, peach, orange, pink, maroon, lavender, and yes, green!
Flowers form above the leaf stalk. It can be erect (standing) or hanging (pendant). The brightly colored parts of the flower are not petals, but modified leaves – also known as bracts. The actual flowers are barely noticeable and stick out like tiny fingers from the bracts.
The lumps are often tangled, thick, and waxy. Some Heliconia varieties produce unusual lattice cuts! There are other varieties that make huge bracts 10-12 inches long! Rainwater collects within each arch, creating a home for small rainforest creatures such as tree frogs, lizards and snakes.
Rhizomes
Heliconia root systems resemble a large group of ginger roots called rhizomes. Its main function is to store plant nutrients for new growth. After a mature stem flowers and dies, a young stem quickly emerges from underground roots, repeating the flowering cycle.
Note: Heliconia roots can spread aggressively in the garden. The plant can grow out of control into a large, bushy shrub that takes over nearby flower beds! To solve this problem, dig up the roots, cut them into small pieces, and plant new heliconia plants or give them to fellow gardeners.
Growing Heliconia
Heliconia only grows in warm, year-round tropical climates. He loves scorching temperatures and high humidity! During occasional periods of drought or lack of rain, its leaves will turn yellow and wilt, and the plant will stop flowering.
If drought occurs, the entire plant may fall to the ground. However, their roots are still alive, dormant in the deep, moist soil, and they will quickly grow new stems once the rainy season returns.
Heliconia prefers soil rich in humus and slightly acidic. Mulching is an excellent way to maintain soil moisture. Adding compost made from kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, egg shells) and garden waste (grass clippings, dead leaves) will also keep the plant happy and healthy.
Heliconia are best spread by dividing the rhizomes and planting them in new locations.
It will take young heliconians at least two to three years to begin blooming. Once established, heliconia is low-maintenance, except for occasional pruning of older plants and blooming flowers.
Landscaping With Heliconia
Heliconia is a hardy, easy-to-grow garden plant native to tropical climates.
For cooler climates, grow them in containers or pots, then move them indoors or into a greenhouse for winter protection. Heliconia is very sensitive to frost, and its roots will die if the ground freezes.
Combine multiple varieties and different colors to create a lively, eye-catching contrast. For example, red and orange heliconia go well together, giving the garden an interesting “warm” look. Other varieties of pastel shades of pink or lavender will add a mellow “Zen” touch.
Heliconia psittacorum is excellent in group plantings (flower beds or hedges), creating a stunning visual effect – an endless field of orange, yellow and pink flowers!
Due to their brilliant, dazzling colours, heliconia is ideal for front yard plantings to maximize the curb appeal of a property. Hanging or drooping varieties look impressive when planted along a rock wall, garden fence or walkway.
Flower Arrangements With Heliconia
Heliconia adds a simple, modern touch to any flower arrangement, especially when combined with other tropical flowers such as anthuriums or orchids.
A single stem of Heliconia bihai ‘Giant Lobster Claw’ in fiery red in a tall vase will add bold drama to any room. On the contrary, a large bouquet of Heliconia Chartasia ‘Sexy Pink’ flowers is simply stunning!
In Hawaii, cut heliconia flowers are available year-round at farmers markets or roadside fruit stands. The long-lasting flowers are very popular in floral arrangements for weddings, funerals and cultural events. They also decorate floats in holiday parades or perform hula dances.
