One Heliconia that you can grow for foliage is Heliconia indica rubra. It is tall growing to around 3 – 4 metres in height, and brilliant shades of red as the foliage matures.
The leaves are held erect, lance shaped and this is a clump forming plant.
It grows well in part shade to full sun and although it does flower it is really the foliage that you grow this heliconia variety for.
Regarded as one of the best Heliconias for foliage, this is a tropical to sub tropical plant and grows well in a humus rich moist well drained soil.
Many Heleconia varieties are available for sale, some grown for the foliage others such as Heleconia wagneriana grown for the spectacular ‘Lobster Claw’ flowers
Landscaping Uses
The key feature of this plant is the foliage, it adds both colour and texture to the garden. The upright growth habit adds much need height in the garden and can also be effective when grown in containers.
- You can underplant taller growing trees with Heliconia indica ‘Rubra’ where its will grow happily without disturbing the taller plants.
- This is a clump forming plant, so consider planting a good distance from walkways and the trunks of other trees. It is best planted at a distance from smaller plants that it may overshadow or compete with over time.
- Consider using it as screening plant with colour and texture.
- Excellent along fence lines or used to underplant taller tropical plants.