From tropical America, Southeast Asia and some Pacific Islands,
these beautiful, exotic plants have large leaves and spikes of
colorful bracts enclosing relatively insignificant flowers.
There are around 100 evergreen perennial species and hybrids in this
genus, which is related to bananas and strelitzias.
Planted en masse, heliconias create an eye-catching show of color
all year round.
The leaves are spoon-shaped and grow to 6 ft (1.8 m) long.
Heliconias make excellent cut flowers.
Flowering colors: Cream, Green, Orange, Pink, Red, Scarlet, White,
Yellow
Cultivation: Plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil in filtered sun
and with summer humidity.
Water well during the growing season.
To encourage new growth remove all dead leaves and flowers.
Propagate by division of rootstock , ensuring there are two shoots
on each division.
Watch for red spider mites, snails and mealybugs. |
