Heliconia psittacorum (Parrot Heliconia)

Heliconia psittacorum (Parrot Heliconia) is an erect, evergreen perennial forming dense tufts of lanceolate, bright intense green leaves adorned with prominent central nervation and pointed tips. The pseudostems (formed by the leaf sheaths) emerge from underground rhizomes. The inflorescence, or cluster of flowers, are quite distinctive and range in colorful hues of red, orange, yellow, and green. The inflorescence consists of brightly colored, waxy bracts (special leaves at the base of flowers) arranged alternately on the stem that encloses and protect small flowers. Parrot Heliconia has no particular blooming season and produce inflorescences all year long. The flowers produce an abundance of nectar and the color, shape, and curve of the flowers are adapted to hummingbirds. They are followed by fleshy, rounded, dark blue fruits. Great for tropical gardens, the blossoms last for weeks and are excellent in flower arrangements.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or slight shade in humus-rich, constantly moist, acidic or neutral, well-drained soils. Watering must be regular and abundant in summer, letting the soil to partially dry up before watering again. Fertilize this plant in spring-summer. Protect from strong winds.
• Keep an eye out for mites and mealy bugs.
• Propagate by seed or by division of the rhizomes in spring.
• Native to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guyana, Guyana, Panama, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.