Heliconia Pendula
I thought you might enjoy following the growth of a heliconia bract (a beak like pod which slowly opens up, producing a stem of color and beauty). I was introduced to heliconia’s in Florida; and now have several varieties growing in my garden. They are actually quite easy to grow; provided with plenty of water and sunshine, they will yield a beautiful and exotic bract which houses tiny flowers – it is the remarkable color of the bracts which draws you in – the humming birds prefer the flower nectar. The plants come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, with some bracts facing up, while others hang down, like the pendula, followed here.
They are grown from rhizomes which should be planted in compost rich soil; they are native to the tropics and sub-tropics, often found in the rain forest. Like orchids, their flowering stem can be cut, placed in water, and used in bouquets, where they may last more than a week. The long, rounded leaves, of the plant, are unremarkable, and susceptible to fraying by the wind, just like their cousin, banana plants; thus the plant can look a bit messy, but hang on – the bract will be worth it!
What is yet to come?
L
The magic has begun.
I do so love the garden.
Weeks of delight!
So very pleased our rainy season has begun early this year.
You can certainly see why they bear the nickname, lobster claw.
Fully Set!
A new bract, oh my!
