Give Gardens a Tropical Touch with Heliconias
Create Spectacular Gardens with Heliconia or False Bird of Paradise
Oct 16, 2008
Very few plants can evoke the tropics with such brilliance as the exotic Heliconias. This tropical plant which is a native of Central and South America is also found in some Southwest Pacific islands and its abundance in Southeast Asia is breathtaking. It will grow splendidly in U.S zones 9 -11 and it can be successful in zone 8 when care is taken.
Common Names of Heliconia
Heliconia has many more common names such as ‘Wild Plantain’, ‘Lobster Claw’ and the widely used ‘False Bird of Paradise’. This exotic evergreen plant blooms in the spring through summer and autumn. It can die back in winter but will bounce back in the spring more vigorous than ever. The leaves are similar to the banana plant and the flowers which are really bracts can be seen in yellow, pink, red, sometimes green and any number of variations on all of these colors. The most spectacular are the vibrant red and yellow of Heliconia rostrata. These flowers are lobster claw like in appearance and adorn the plant in a pendulous fashion. Heliconias can grow from 2ft to more than 20ft so care is advised when making a purchase.
Growing a False Bird of Paradise
Heliconia are vigorous plants and require room to flourish. This is not to say that they will not grow well in tubs, they will and look perfect as a specimen plant on a patio or pool deck. In the wild they will grow unchecked and tend to do the same in a garden so they must be kept in check. They like an ample supply of water and should not be allowed to dry out between watering times. Fertilize once a year in the spring and they benefit from a good supply of mulch. Home-made organic mulch is ideal. Mildly acidic or neutral soil is preferred.
Full sun or partial shade is acceptable and necessary for spectacular blooms. Plants grown in full sun will be shorter than plants grown in the shade, in some cases by as much as 50%. Heliconias will not flourish in low temperatures so anything lower than 50 degrees F is bordering on failure.
Pruning and Propagating a Heliconia
By selecting the correct plant in the first instance pruning is neither necessary nor advised. Heliconias will bloom on a second year stalk so cutting away stalks just to keep the plant in check will result in flowerless plants the following season. Once the bloom has faded then is the time to cut away that particular stalk and leaves. Increasing the stock of Heliconias is done by seed planting or by the far more popular method of ‘splitting the rhizome’. Seek out a strong rhizome in the soil and cut through it. Plant it up and by the following year a new plant will be formed.
Heliconia Pests and Problems
It may seem unfair that plants with such exotic beauty are so carefree and not bothered by pests and disease. Keep a check for scale and mealy bugs, just like with the Strelitzia, Bird of Paradise. If these are found on the plant use a systemic fungicide to clear them or they can be wiped away with ‘rubbing alcohol’. Wet roots during the winter months are to be avoided.
The spectacular blooms of Heliconia make this an ideal specimen plant and it is every florist’s dream. It is graceful and exotic and it has a very long vase life. Heliconia, just like the Bird of Paradise Plant, adds a touch of the tropics to gardens and patios. It is ideal as a garden focal point.
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