Heliconia's (Hot Rio, Rauliniana, Black Cherry, Rostrata, Criswick & Rostrata Yellow)

Heliconia is not your average plant - it's a tropical beauty that brings vibrant blooms and lush greenery to any garden. This unique genus is grown using organic methods at Lomalagi, and its striking flowers and interesting shapes make it a favorite among gardeners in tropical landscapes. Use it as a screening option for your own tropical oasis and enjoy an abundance of cut flowers!

Light requirement: Full sun or part shade.
Water requirement: Water regularly to keep soil moist

Watering frequency: Water deeply and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help retain soil moisture.
Soil: Well-draining, fertilised soil. Avoid clay soils as they can cause water-logging.
Skill level: Suits Beginner Green thumb, low-maintenance plant.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast growth. To ensure growth is steady, fertilise every month in the growing season. Heliconias have an upright growth habit, and love to reaching for the sun. Remove old growth/ spent leaves after winter to make space for emerging leaves in the growing seasons.
Suitable for container gardens: Choose a pot at least twice the size of plant. When roots begin to grow out the bottom of the container, pot up into a larger size.

Seasonality: Evergreen

Drought Tolerant: Yes
Frost Tolerant: Can tolerate occasional light frost once established. Suits temperate climate.
Wind Tolerant: Yes

Leaf colour: Shades of green vary from variety
Leaf Variegation pattern: No

Size of leaf : The leaves can vary in size, shape, and colour, depending on the species. Heliconias have large broad paddle-like, green leaves that form a dense clump at the base.