Parakeet Flower


Scientific Name: Heliconia psittacorum L. f.
Family: Heliconiaceae
Parakeet Flower(Heliconia psittacorum)
Heliconias psittacorum in an Acapulco garden
Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 24-25
USDA: 11-12

Frost Tolerance: Suffers below 40°F (4°C), needs a sheltered location next to a south wall.

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Eastern Brazil

Growth Habits: Clump forming perennials up to 5 feet tall (1.5 m) depending on variety

Watering Needs: Moist, well drained soil.

Propagation: Clump or rhizome division in spring

Parakeet Flower(Heliconia psittacorum)
Heliconia 'golden torch'

The Heliconia psittacorum is one of the most popular type of heliconia, probably due to the fact that it is one of the easier heliconias. It is also one that resembles most to the birds-of-paradise. In Phoenix, they require a micro environment that is somewhat shady and moist. If you can find such a place, they will help you make it a little bit of the tropics.

Blooming Habits:
The heliconias bloom all the summer and they are great cut flowers, lasting 2 to 3 weeks.

Culture:
Heliconias are heavy feeders, and need rich humic soil. They also make great container plants.


 

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