Heliconias are sometimes called “lobster claws” or “parrot flowers” because of their beak-like “bracts” which can be orange, purple, red, yellow, pink, green or a combination of these. A bract is a leaf structure at the base of a flower.
In this manner, do heliconias need full sun?
Although most Heliconias do well in full sun, there are a few which thrive in shade or part sun. A popular variety that does well in these conditions is Heliconia ‘Red Christmas’.
Similarly, is Heliconia the same as bird of paradise?
Common names for the genus include lobster-claws, toucan beak, wild plantain, or false bird-of-paradise. The last term refers to their close similarity to the bird-of-paradise flowers (Strelitzia). Collectively, these plants are also simply referred to as “heliconias“.
Is banana a Heliconia?
Heliconia is the only genus in its family, Heliconiaceae, in the order Zingiberales. Its most famous cousins are bananas (Musaceae), gingers (Zingiberaceae), birds of paradise (Strelitziaceae), cannas (Cannaceae) and arrowroot (Marantaceae).
How tall is a heliconia?
3 to 6 feet
