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
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Heliconiaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.