Heliconias are rainforest herbs whose flowers sit hidden inside long-lasting waxy bracts, and they are best suited to USDA zones 10B to 11. UF/IFAS says that lacking cold hardiness, they need frost protection and may die back in cold weather. Species vary widely in size, from about 1.5 feet to nearly 15 feet tall (UF/IFAS EDIS), so check the species before you choose a spot. Where winters are too cold, smaller species can be grown as houseplants (UF/IFAS).
- USDA zones
- 10B–11 (UF/IFAS)
- Origin
- The Americas
- Height
- About 1.5 to nearly 15 ft by species
- Frost
- Needs protection; may die back
- Bloom time
- Spring and summer
- Spread
- Rhizomes can spread aggressively
- In pots
- Smaller species indoors
What heliconias are
UF/IFAS EDIS describes heliconias as rainforest herbs. The colorful part is the bract, not the flower: the flowers are produced inside the long-lasting, waxy bracts (UF/IFAS EDIS, Gardening Solutions).
Zones and cold
UF/IFAS says heliconias are best suited for zones 10B to 11 because they lack cold hardiness. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions says they need frost protection and may die back in cold weather.
Size, spread and species
UF/IFAS EDIS says heliconia heights range from about 1.5 feet to nearly 15 feet depending on species. It also says rhizomes spread aggressively in some species, so root barriers are needed. Give a tall species room, and contain a spreading one.
| Variety | Best for | Height | Bracts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heliconia psittacorum and hybrids (Parakeet flowers) | Landscape perennials | To 5 ft | — | Named by UF/IFAS EDIS |
| Heliconia caribaea | Alkaline soils | — | — | UF/IFAS EDIS says well adapted to alkaline soils |
Soil
Soil needs depend on the species. UF/IFAS EDIS says H. caribaea is well adapted to alkaline soils.
Bloom time
UF/IFAS says heliconia flowers are produced in spring and summer, borne inside the bracts.
In a pot
UF/IFAS says smaller species can be grown as a houseplant where it is too cold outdoors. Choose a smaller species for a container, since sizes in the sources run to nearly 15 feet.
Grow these next
Bird of paradise is the other large, bold tropical for zones 10 to 11 that works in a big pot elsewhere. For a perennial that Clemson says is hardy in zones 8 to 10, see ginger lily, or browse the tropical flowers collection.
Frequently asked questions
What zones can heliconia grow in?
UF/IFAS says that lacking cold hardiness, heliconias are best suited for zones 10B to 11.
Can heliconia survive frost?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions says heliconias need frost protection and may die back in cold weather.
How big do heliconias get?
It depends on the species. UF/IFAS EDIS says heights range from about 1.5 feet to nearly 15 feet.
When do heliconias bloom?
UF/IFAS says flowers are produced in spring and summer, borne inside waxy bracts that are long lasting.
Can heliconia grow in a pot?
UF/IFAS says smaller species can be grown as a houseplant where it is too cold outdoors.
Sources
- Heliconia, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Heliconia species (FP249), UF/IFAS Extension (EDIS)
Bird of Paradise
Ginger Lily
Canna