Heliconia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Heliconia angusta, Christmas Holiday is a small shrub that typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall, although it can grow taller. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate some semi-shade. To achieve optimal growth, the soil should be rich, wet, and well-drained, with regular watering. This variety is commonly called the Christmas heliconia because its red and white inflorescences emerging during the winter Holiday season, although the plant will bloom throughout the rest of the year as well. It typically produces off-white or white flowers, often with red and crimson upper petals and vinous lower petals.

Christmas Holiday is relatively cold hardy, at least to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short exposure. It can also be grown in containers in cold regions, as long as those containers are brought inside during the winter months.

In areas where it can be grown outdoors in a garden, Christmas Holiday is best grown in USDA Zones 9-11. When grown outdoors in these climates, the plant will benefit from fertilizer and compost topdressing, as well as regular pruning to keep it within its desired size.

Overall, Christmas Holiday is a beautiful, cold hardy tropical shrub that can bring a lot of cheer to any garden or landscaping setting. With proper care, it can produce a stunning array of flowers with its signature red, white, and vinous color palette. With its low-maintenance growing requirements, it is a joy to share with family and friends.

Wild populations, which are native to southeastern Brazil, are classified as vulnerable.

Golden Heliconia - excellent cut flowers, resembling Bird of Paradise in yellow to orange! Endemic to Central America - south Mexico and Guatemala. Its natural habitat is montane forests. Tropical, evergreen perennial with short rhizomes and smooth, leathery, 7 to 16 inch long, oblong leaves. The plant is a smaller species (4 - 5 ft) with a compact, relatively small, erect inflorescence. Unusual, 8 inch long inflorescences, resembling birds of paradise, hold light yellow to orange sepaled flowers. Borne from spring through summer. Cold-sensitive and requires a minimum temperature of 40 F. This species does not tolerate heavy clearing and disturbance.

A very upright growing heliconia, rauliniana has red/yellow bracts the twist as they open. Inflorescence consisting of 10 to 15 spirally arranged bracts. It is a strong grower, and blooms freely in warmer months.

What makes Heliconia bihai x marginata Rauliniana distinctive?

Heliconia bihai x marginata Rauliniana grows as a vigorous clumping hybrid with tall, sturdy shoots and broad evergreen foliage that creates a dramatic vertical accent. Its inflorescences rise above the leaves and display prominent bracts in bright tones typical of bihai-lineage heliconias, enhanced by the marginata parentage that contributes crisp contrasting edges and refined color definition. The plant thrives in full sun to light shade with steady warmth, high humidity, and regular moisture in rich, well-drained soil. It performs reliably in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, where it remains frost-free; brief chills below this range can damage young shoots, so protection is recommended in marginal climates. In suitable warm regions it becomes a dominant structural feature, producing bold seasonal displays typical of large hybrid heliconias.

Heliconia collinsiana is a popular ornamental plant in hot regions with a humid climate. Waxy white stems and undersides of leaves with long, pendulous bracts of orange and red. The fruits are very attractive, first yellow, then becoming mature to a bright purple-blue color.

Heliconia hirsuta Costa Flores is native to Costa Rica. It blooms from late spring to early summer. The Costa Flores produces dark red bracts with yellow sepals with black accents on them. It enjoys full sun to partial shade and flourishes in zones 10 and higher. To prevent wilting, it is recommended to water this plant daily. It can grow to be 3 to 5 feet in height. Great for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.

A showstopping perennial ornamental from the banana family, Heliconia orthotricha is native to Northern South America. These stunning plants boast bright and vibrant flowers that become the center of attention in any garden. With their colorful, large inflorescences in red, pink, and yellow hues. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds to any landscape.

The Heliconia orthotricha is a large shrub that can reach heights of 5-10 ft tall and is a petite shrub at 2-5 ft. It does best in a full sun to semi-shade environment and requires regular watering and heavy feeding in rich soil. Though it generally thrives in USDA Zone 9-11, it can in fact be grown in colder regions in a pot, although extra care must be taken when temperatures drop.

This magnificent plant produces huge red, crimson or vinous flowers, as well as stunning pink and yellow or orange blooms. The inflorescence can last up to two months, and their showy appearance makes the Heliconia orthotricha an ideal plant for anyone seeking a tropical look in their outdoor space. The plant is known for its firework-like beauty that is sure to add to any garden's wow factor.

Overall, the Heliconia orthotricha is a notable perennial ornamental to bring a tropical flair to any outdoor setting. Whether planted in the ground or grown in a pot, its stunning flowers will bring beauty, joy, and life to the space.

Heliconias are one of the most tropical looking plants. It is a must to have in a garden to create a tropical paradise. Heliconia psittacorum varieties form a group of smaller growing Heliconias which rarely exceed 5ft (1.5 m). They are less affected by cool temperatures than other Heliconias and also require less care. Can be grown in containers and kept indoors. Psittacorums have no particular blooming season and produce inflorescences all year long, usually blooming already during the first year after planting. Inflorescence makes a long lasting cut flower. The reddish pointed structures are called bracts. These tough, leathery structures protect the actual flower, which is yellow and quite delicate. The hummingbird that comes to this flower has a beak precisely shaped to fit into the flower. When the bird feeds, it receives a meal of nectar and in return, the plant's flower is pollinated. Grow best at temperatures above 70 F and should never be subjected to temperatures of less than 50 F for extended periods. Heavy feeders. The soil should be kept moist between waterings, never soaking wet. Propagation by rhizomes. See Thai Heliconia - varieties Gallery.

The family Heliconiaceae contains a single genus, Heliconia, with distribution in the Neotropical region and in Pacific islands from the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia) east to Samoa. The genus contains between 200 and 250 species (about 180 so-far described). Additionally, there are at least that many forms or cultivars. Heliconia sp. are large shrubs or small plants that can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet. They are renowned for their brightly colored flowers, in shades of pink, red, crimson, vinous, yellow and orange. Heliconia thrive in full sun or semi-shade and require regular water. They attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Heliconia sp. can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and make an attractive addition to any garden. The secret to successful growth of these tropical beauties is well-draining soil and regular watering during the summer months. During winter months, it may be beneficial to keep the plant in a pot that can be brought indoors and placed in a bright, sunlit space. To promote the best possible blooming, fertilization is recommended throughout the growing season.

As with many tropical plants, Heliconia sp. require a little extra care to thrive. However, with the right tips, they can be successful and add a splash of color to any garden.

This Heliconia grows in clumps to 6 ft with a spread of 5 ft. It has 6 ft long banana-like leaves. Each inflorescence has red or orange bracts edged with green. Heliconia stricta cv. Dwarf Jamaican growing only 1 to 3ft high this small sized Heliconia is suitable for a wide range of designs. Dwarf Jamaican grows well in pots and is known to tolerate variable temperatures more than other Heliconias. Blooms all year and can be planted in full sun to semi-shade. Propagation: Clump division, or rhizome. See Thai Heliconia - varieties Gallery.

A truly spectacular hanging heliconia, H.vellerigera is a solid orange-red color with brilliant white hairs. It is a medium sized heliconia, reaching 6-7 feet tall. The leaves are light purple on the underside. Blooms throughout the year. See Thai Heliconia - varieties Gallery.