Caribbean Heliconia, Wild Plantain
Adding an exotic touch to gardens and containers, Heliconia caribaea (Wild Plantain) is a large evergreen perennial boasting huge, oblong, leathery, dark green leaves. Borne on attractive long petioles, 4-5 ft. long (120-150 cm), they arise directly from the rhizomatous rootstock. The spectacular flowers are held in showy clusters that emerge from second year stalks. They are actually modified leaves and bracts in the shape of lobster claws. Deep, rich red or bright yellow, they are 6-8 in. long (15-20 cm). Looking rather like a banana plant, Heliconia caribaea is used as a specimen plant for tropical gardens. The flowers and excellent and long-lasting in flower arrangements.
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Heliconiaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
| Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
| Spacing | 36" - 60" (90cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Heliconiaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
| Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
| Spacing | 36" - 60" (90cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Heliconia caribaea (Wild Plantain) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Heliconia caribaea (Wild Plantain) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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