Heliconia rostrata

Also Known As

Hanging Lobster Claw

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 6'
W: 2'

planting zones

10a-11

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Heliconia rostrata plant details

Heliconia rostrata is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer red and yellow flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Heliconia rostrata

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: heliconiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 6 FT tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: container plant, houseplant, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Heliconia rostrata

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Highly sought after for its unusual and colorful inflorescences, Hanging Lobster Claw has pendulous blooms of striking red and yellow bracts that often reach 3' in length. When grown in a pot, it starts blooming once the plant reaches 4-5' tall and the amazing inflorescences will appear one after another creating a spectacular show for the gardener to enjoy. Grow in full to partial sun and rich soil with lots of water and fertilizer. We saw this heliconia blooming in all its glory at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island. What a spectacular sight! When grown directly in the ground, Heliconia rostrata can reach upwards of 10-15' tall.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Gardening facts about Heliconia rostrata plant

How to Grow Heliconia rostrata

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- red
- yellow
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
- fall
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- glossy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Heliconia for your garden

Heliconia 'Golden Torch'

aka Heliconia psittacorum 'Golden Torch', Heliconia psittacorum hyb. 'Golden Torch', Heliconia psittacorum x spathocircinata 'Golden Torch', Golden Torch Parrot's Beak