Heliconia (3ft)

Description

Heliconias are tropical plants related to bananas, cannas and gingers. There are about 100 different individual species, and most species then have a large number of hybrids and cultivars, with flower styles varying significantly from the original.

Most heliconia species do not tolerate cold weather and will suffer injury when temperatures fall below 50-55 F. The general climatic conditions required for healthy growth are warm and humid.

Most varieties of heliconias will grow well in full sun, where others require partial shade. They tend to grow taller if grown in shadier areas.

Heliconias prefer freely draining soils with high organic matter. They are heavy feeders and they need lots of water and they need plenty of space. Heavy mulching is recommended to protect the soil from drying out, and to enhance the soil’s organic matter. Additional irrigation is important for low rainfall areas.

Each stem will only flower once, so after flowering you can cut that stem out. This is recommended, to encourage more flowering, to increase airflow in between the stems of your plant, and also to generally tidy it up and improve the appearance.