False Bird Of Paradise Flower

Heliconia spp.

Also known as

false bird-of-paradise flower, Lobster claws, Wild banana, Wild plantain, False bird of paradise

Heliconia latispatha (Starwiz) by Justin Lebar (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Partial Shade

Moderate watering

Tender

13b

USDA zone

18°C

Minimum temperature

Expected size

Height		Spread
8m	Max	8m
4m	Min	4m

5 to reach maturity

Flowering

spring
summer
autumn
winter

More images of False Bird Of Paradise Flower

A Heliconia plant in a garden with red flowers

Some orange Heliconia flowers in the wild

A close up of a red Heliconia flower with green leaves

A close up of some pretty red and yellow green Heliconia flowers

False Bird Of Paradise Flower Overview

Heliconia is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the Heliconiaceae family. They are native mainly to tropical regions in the Americas with a few species endemic to islands in the Western Pacific. There are approximately 197 accepted species in this genus and they are distinguished by their clumps of strap-like leaves and tall drooping panicles of waxy flowers. Flowers consist of a sheath of colourful bracts, with the true flowers located within and only just visible. Commonly known as the False Bird-Of-Paradise Flower, they are widely cultivated for their striking architectural appearance. Several cultivars and hybrids are available.

Common problems with False Bird Of Paradise Flower

How to propagate False Bird Of Paradise Flower

Division

Seed or division of rootstock in spring.

Seed

Special features of False Bird Of Paradise Flower

Attractive flowers

Other uses of False Bird Of Paradise Flower

Grown for their spikes of colourful flowers and for the attractive foliage on younger plants.