Heliconia rostrata (Hanging Lobster Claw, False Bird of Paradise, )


Botanical Information

FamilyHeliconiaceae
GenusHeliconia
Speciesrostrata
SynonymsHeliconia poeppigiana
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginCentral America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1a -H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-1.1 - 4.5 °C
Temperature (°F)30 - 40 °F
Height1 - 4 m
Spread1 m
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General Description
ShapeUpright.
PropagationBy division.
CultivationThrives in either partial shade or full sun locations, and is drought tolerant.
Notable SpecimensJim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand. Wishing Tree Resort, Tha Phrae, Thailand. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Bark/Stem DescriptionNew stems will develop after the old plant has flowered.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are glossy green, oval and paddle shaped.
Flower DescriptionMay be found in red, orange or yellow, usually tipped with a bright gold splash, and arranged in terminal racemes, which may be held erect. Often reaching up to 90 cm in length.

Photographs