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Heliconia click pic to enlarge |
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Zone 10 or Houseplant Heliconia is a herbaceous perennial related to plants such as banana and Traveler's tree. Native to Northern South America and the West Indies, . there are likely 200-250 named varieties Here's Heliconia angusta
click pic to enlarge Common names for heliconias abound, e.g.
None of these common names are meaningful to identify a variety of heliconia What you see in the picture is not a flower which in heliconias are small. What you see is the heliconia's waxy bract that produces vivid colors and complex tropical shapes, much like bougainvillea flowers are small and mostly insignificant These inflorescences may be held erect or be pendent. The most common bract colors are reds, yellows and oranges. However, some types are grown only for their colorful leaves. Stem and leaf growth is always vertical with leaves pointed up Depending on variety, heliconias want shade, partial shade or full sun. The soil must be moist and very fertile for proper growth and health. It is best to plant heliconias with wind protection. Provide plenty of water but be sure of good drainage Heliconias vary greatly in plant size. Some like Heliconia stricta stay low at about 2 feet, while others such as Heliconia caribeae reach 10 feet or more. Most are in between at 4-6 feet When planting, keep size in mind so your heliconia has room to expand, so larger spaces are suggested. To propagate, divide the underground rhizomes and re-plant Named varieties seen in South Florida include:
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