Heliconias are magnificent and beautiful.
A few years ago there were approximately 20 species of heliconia grown in the Caribbean; today, there are more than 400 species in cultivation. Also known as the ‘Wild Banana’, heliconia is related to the edible banana and is also an exotic cousin of the ginger lily.
While many of the varieties are native to tropical America, there are several from Asia and the South Pacific and some of these can be found throughout the Caribbean.
These beauties likes to be planted into rich soil and covered with a layer of mulch. They are tall plants with clustered stems and large paddle-shaped, waxy leaves. Heliconias need adequate sunlight and moisture to grow and to flower profusely, so make sure that they get a good drink of water and fertilise with a high nitrogen plant food. Heliconias can be separated by suckers.
The tropical American species are by far the most colourful plants having brightly coloured bracts in red, orange, yellow, pink and green. Humming Birds love to pollinate the flowers, which make beautiful and exotic fresh flower arrangements that last for 10 – 14 days.
(Continued next week)
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
