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Conservatory Greenhouse

Heliconia rostrata

false bird of paradise

A very large, evergreen perennial with banana-like leaves up to 2m long. In spring and summer it produces hanging inflorescences made up of bright red bracts, each tipped with yellow and green, with yellowish-white flowers

Other common names
hanging lobster claw
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red Yellow Green
Summer Green Red Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Heliconiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Heliconia are a genus of herbaceous plants varying in height from 0.5m up to 4.5m. Leaves are long and form in clumps with age. Flowers are produced on drooping panicles and are made up of bright-coloured waxy bracts. Flower colour is varied, ranging from reds and oranges to yellows and greens.

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a neutral, 50:50 mixture of peat substitute and coarse sand or grit, in bright, filtered light

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in heat in spring, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut out faded flower stems and damaged or dying leaves

Pests

Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and snails

Diseases

Phytophthora root rot and pythium stem rot may be a problem

Get involved

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