Heliconia rostrata (Hanging Lobster Claw, False Bird of Paradise, )
Botanical Information
| Family | Heliconiaceae |
| Genus | Heliconia |
| Species | rostrata |
| Synonyms | Heliconia poeppigiana |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | Central America. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10 - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1a -H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -1.1 - 4.5 °C |
| Temperature (°F) | 30 - 40 °F |
| Height | 1 - 4 m |
| Spread | 1 m |
| Flowering Period | April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | |
| Shape | Upright. |
| Propagation | By division. |
| Cultivation | Thrives in either partial shade or full sun locations, and is drought tolerant. |
| Notable Specimens | Jim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand. Wishing Tree Resort, Tha Phrae, Thailand. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
| Bark/Stem Description | New stems will develop after the old plant has flowered. |
| Leaf Description | Leaves are glossy green, oval and paddle shaped. |
| Flower Description | May be found in red, orange or yellow, usually tipped with a bright gold splash, and arranged in terminal racemes, which may be held erect. Often reaching up to 90 cm in length. |
Photographs
Heliconia rostrata, form. Jim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand. Wishing Tree Resort, Tha Phrae, Thailand.
Heliconia rostrata, leaf. Jim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand. Wishing Tree Resort, Tha Phrae, Thailand.
Heliconia rostrata, flower. Jim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand. Wishing Tree Resort, Tha Phrae, Thailand.
Heliconia rostrata, form. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Heliconia rostrata, flower. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Heliconia rostrata, leaf. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.