Another common name of Hanging Heliconia is Lobster claw and Parrot flower. The botanical name is Heliconia Rostrata and belongs to Heliconiaceae (Heliconia) family. It is a perennial native to Central to South America. It is the national flower of Bolivia.
This is one of the most common Heliconias. The inflorescences of this tropical plant can immediately brighten any corner of a home garden or a landscape.
The plant can grow up to 15 to 18 feet in height. The leaves are green, simple, alternate, and paddle shaped.
They grow upright with the flower stems in the center. The flowers face downwards. The pendant inflorescence bracts are red with greenish yellow edges. Each bract resembles a Lobster’s claw. The inflorescence length can be 3 feet long. The flowers last a long time and is best used in cut flower arrangement.
Hummingbirds are often seen visiting these flowers.
Propagation:
Hanging Heliconia plants grow and propagate from underground rhizomes. The plant thrives in both partial share and under full sun. The soil must be well drained, fertile, and most. It takes two years for the plant to bloom.
