Heliconia (Heliconias)

The Heliconia Shrub is considered a dramatic and spectacular tropical plant with dark green leaves which have a leathery texture and bold red and yellow flowers (Lady Di and Lobster Claw varieties). The shrub, which is low maintenance, grows quickly and can reach heights of 5-6 feet with spreads of 3-6 feet. This herbaceous ornamental shrub originates from Central and South America and the Pacific Ocean Islands west to Indonesia. The plant prefers direct sunlight for continuous blooming but can handle semi-shade to full shade as well. These shrubs are beautiful in mass plantings and borders in tropical garden landscapes or in containers for patio accents.