False Bird of Paradise, Hanging Lobster Claw, Crab Claw, Hanging Parrot’s Beak, Lobster Claw, Parrot’s Beak Heliconia
One of the most ornamental and cultivated species of Heliconia, Heliconia rostrata (Hanging Lobster Claw) is a large evergreen perennial boasting huge, leathery, banana-like, dark green leaves, up to 4 ft. long (120 cm). Borne on long petioles, they arise directly from the rhizomatous rootstock. In spring and summer, showy flower clusters hang from the 3-5 ft. stems (90-150 cm). Each inflorescence is made up of bright red bracts, each tipped with yellow and green, with yellowish-white flowers. The flowers produce an abundance of nectar and attract 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.
Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Heliconiaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread |
3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spacing |
36" - 60" (90cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
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 | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread |
3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spacing |
36" - 60" (90cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Heliconia rostrata (Hanging Lobster Claw) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Heliconia rostrata (Hanging Lobster Claw) | 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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!