Try a Heliconia — or Two!

by Karinluise Calasant

The bold, large blooms of Heliconias symbolize the tropics. Did you know many varieties grow quite well in Florida Gardens? While most heliconias are tropical and confined to growing in South Florida, there are a few species from the subtropical and temperate zones that will grow throughout the Sunshine State. Small, tropical varieties can be grown in containers so that they can be moved indoors during the winter months.

Heliconias amenable to containers include H. angusta, H. hirsuta, and dwarf cultivars of H. stricta such as ‘Dimples’, ‘Dwarf Jamaican’, ‘Peacock’, and ‘Valentine’. These will flower easily in containers. Some like H. Stricta ‘Carli Sharonii’ have leaves with undersides of maroon — adding visual interest when the plant is not in bloom. All the strictas are very shade tolerant — but not cold tolerant — and are found in nature as understory plants. Partial shade is ideal for most other varieties.

Container media must be well-draining and have sufficient nutrients — for all heliconias are heavy feeders and need plenty of water when actively growing. Heliconias lose a great deal of water through transpiration and need ample soil moisture when the light intensity of high and relative humidity is low.

In the landscape, some varieties tightly clump, while others “run” and can be mildly invasive. All the larger varieties require ample space to look their best. Heliconias don’t want to be exposed to the wind. Each stalk will only bear a flowerhead once (true flowers are in the wax-like bracts). Cut to the ground after blooms fade. Left on the plant, the bloom can last many months. If cut for display, the bloom on some varieties may last up to two weeks.

Use high-quality slow-release organic palm fertilizer along with copious amounts of organic compost. Heliconias are relatively shallow-rooted — requiring only about 6 inches of soil depth.

One of the more tender species, H. caribaea and its cultivars are native to the Caribbean. The tall, robust flowerheads are prized for arrangements and have a vase-life of up to 2 weeks. The cold hardiness for this large heliconia is marginal even for South Florida and in cold winters, it may experience leaf-burn and / or die-back.

Cultivars of Heliconia orthotricha; H. rostrata, H. psittacorum x spathocircinata; H. schiedeana; H. stricta (‘Iris’ is a personal favorite); H. latisphatha; and H. bihai x H. caibaea grow very well in South Florida. Some of these will also do well in Central Florida. Experiment! Plant in protected, warmer micro-climates of the garden.

The easiest way to propagate heliconias is by rhizomes. Plant the rhizome in the smallest pot that it will fit in. Place in a warm, high-light spot. Keep moist but not wet. When the plant has several leaves, it can be planted out.

© 2014 Karinluise Calasant. Originally published in Green Side Up, April - June 2014. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.