Hanging Heliconia, Lobster Claw

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix, grow in container, or try it in a protected area of the garden

Heat Tolerance: Provide some afternoon shade

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Columbia to Peru

Growth Habits: Clump forming perennials up to 10 feet tall (3 m)

Watering Needs: Moist, well drained soil.

Propagation: Clump division, or rhizome

Heliconia rostrata has a pendent inflorescence, the bracts are red with greenish yellow edges. It is a very popular species, and one of the more common in cultivation.

Culture:
Except for the fact that they are much more tropical, Heliconias behave much like cannas. They are heavy feeders, feed regularly with palm fertilizer. Spent flower canes should be cut to the ground. Every few years when the growth slows down, dug the clump out, and divide it. It is then a good time to amend the soil before replanting.