Heliconia rostrata commonly called Hanging Heliconia or Hanging Lobster Claw originated in South and Central America.
Hanging Heliconia is a beauty with pendulous blooms of striking yellow and red bracts hanging downward. This is how it got its common name. The leaves are simple green leaves; its alternate, long-petioled leaf blades are easily shredded by the wind.
Hanging Heliconia attracts birds, butterflies and bees.
Plant Hanging Heliconia in rich organic soil in full sun. Water daily as plant likes to be moist. Fertilize with Blue Corn Fertilizer every two weeks.
This tropical beauty is used by many florists in tall fresh floral arrangement in banks, hotels and showrooms.
Hanging Heliconia is the National Flower of Bolivia.
This tropical beauty also found its way to Hawaii where it is grown on a large scale for the flower industry.
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
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