Lobsters and Parrots for Your Garden

Looking to add some tropical vibe to your garden? Look no further than one of my favorite tropical plants, Heliconias. Heliconias come in many different varieties, two of the most common and easiest types to grow on the Treasure Coast are Lobster claw Heliconias and Parrot flowers.

Meet the Lobster claw Heliconia (Heliconia rostrata). Featuring large, shiny banana-like foliage and thick stems that support large hanging bracts of red and yellow flowers it is difficult to picture a more tropical plant. They originated in rainforests of Central and South America as understory plants. While some Heliconia can grow to 15 feet tall, these are usually more tropical types. The plants grown here are usually in the 5-6 feet height range and can be damaged with an extraordinary cold snap.

Lobster claw Heliconia are easily grown in a partial shade setting with ample moisture. They like rich, well drained soil and benefit from compost in the planting hole and mulch. I grow them in my garden on the north side of the house under the edge of the roof. They are very happy and provide cut flowers in the summer.

A smaller Lobster claw Heliconia.

Below is the parrot for the garden. Heliconia psittacorum AKA the Parrot flower. I would characterize this as a tropical flowering perennial. They are leafy, grow about two feet tall, enjoy a moist, part shade environment and can spread like mad if happy. I have had these produce flowers almost every month of the year. I believe they slow down with extremes in weather. This is the “Lady Di” Parrot flower.

This is another long lasting cut flower. I have a few in a vase by my front door.

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