Heliconia caribaea
Lobster Claw, Parrot BeakFamily: Heliconiaceae
Origin: Puerto Rico, Columbia, Central America, Caribbean
Heliconia caribea is one of the largest heliconias found commonly in the trade. If in reasonable conditions, it blooms all year. Many clones are available in a variety of flower colors.
Watering Needs: Moist, well drained soil.
Propagation: Clump division, or rhizome.
One of the most impressive hybrids Heliconia Caribaea x bihai Jacquini is the harder to get large growing variety. It has eyecatching bright red/orange bracts which have a thick golden border. Jacquinii is a natural hybrid that blooms prolifically in summer and autumn with spectacular huge upright bracts. A large, erect plant habit, with big broad tropical leaves. The bihais are quite tolerant of cooler conditions. Height growth varies 5-7 ft depending on the warmth of your climate. Grows well in partial shade to full sun.
Similar plants:
- Heliconia angusta (Christmas Heliconia)
- Heliconia angusta Christmas Holiday, Heliconia vaginalis (Christmas Holiday)
- Heliconia aurantiaca (Golden Dwarf Heliconia, Yellow Heliconia)
- Heliconia bihai, Bihai bihai, Heliconia humilis (Macaw Flower)
- Heliconia collinsiana, Bihai collinsiana (Hanging Heliconia, Platanillo)
- Heliconia hirsuta (Heliconia Costa Flores)
- Heliconia latispatha (Expanded Lobsterclaw)
- Heliconia orthotricha (Heliconia, Lobster claw)
- Heliconia psittacorum, Bihai psittacorum (Parrot's heliconia, Heliconia, Parakeet Flower)
- Heliconia rostrata, Bihai rostrata (Lobster Claw, Parrot's beak)
