Lobster Claw and Parrot Beak Plants
Heliconia or Tropical Ginger Plants are commonly called Lobster Claw Gingers or Parrots Beak. They are found in Indonesia, the Pacific Islands and Central American nations and are grown for the flowers as well as the foliage. And now they are a popular garden plant from the sunshine coast northwards, and as a cut flower, all over Australia
Heliconias make great garden specimens and are also much sought after by the florist industry as they are most suitable as cut flowers. Heliconias are a tropical plant so cool climate gardeners miss out on such beauties as Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia rostrata, and the giant Heliconia caribaea.
Most species are really a tropical plant and require these conditions to thrive. They have leaves similar to those of the banana or strelitzia. Helecionias are prized for their showy inflorescences which hold the true flowers. (see picture right)
The ginger family actually contains a wide range of plants including Ziniber, Hedichium, Curcuma and Alpinia
Heliconias or ‘Ginger Plant’ Profile, Care and Growing Notes
Heleconias may be grown in pots or in the ground, they do have a vigorous root system so consider using a root barrier when planting in the open if this is a concern.
A deep moist humus rich soil is best. In the tropics plant them just before the wet season commences for best results. They may die back in winter but will flower from summer through autumn.
Best suited to Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and further North.
Popular Heliconia Varieties include
- Heliconia psittacorum (Parrot’s Beak, or Parrot’s Flower)
- Heliconia rostrata (Parrots Beak or Hanging lobster claw)
- Heliconia caribaea (Giant heliconia)
- Heliconia champneiana
Heliconia Schiedeana is perhaps one of the better species for cooler climates, it originally comes from lower mountain regions of South America. Perhaps not as spectacular as some of its relatives, but the red and yellow flowers which appear in early summer are long lasting.
At the end of winter these wonders can be cut back hard, removing only the old flowering shoots from the previous season, but not the new ones, ready for a new spurt of growth. This one will still need a frost free position and no cold winds.
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Heleconias or Ginger Plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
442 Russells Road, Pine Mountain Ipswich QLD 4306 - phone: 07 54643976
Pine Mountain Nursery is a mail order plant nursery and also specialises in breeding elite agapanthus, clivia and other warm climate bulbs.
www.pinemountainnursery.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Australia's finest bamboo display gardens. Non-invasive clumping varieties at competitive prices for screens, windbreaks, garden ornamentals, timber and shoots. Small suburban garden right up to the commercial growers. Can ship to anywhere in Australia. Hervey Bay, QLD. OPEN 7 DAYS
www.bambooland.com.au