Heliconia angusta 'Orange Christmas'
False bird-of-paradise 'Orange Christmas'
Heliconia are widely cultivated as ornamentals. Common names for the genus include lobster-claws, wild plantains or false bird-of-paradise. The last term refers to their close similarity to the bird-of-paradise flowers (Strelitzia). It can grow up to 5m in height. 'Orange Christmas' is a striking bright orange heliconia which blooms from early winter to spring. Can grow in partial shade to full sun, and will bloom in a pot. The pale yellow flowers contrast nicely with the orange bracts.
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Full sun to partial shade
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Frequent watering
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A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
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Moist and rich
Common name
False bird-of-paradise 'Orange Christmas'
Latin name
Heliconia angusta 'Orange Christmas'
type
Herbaceous Perennials
family
Heliconiaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
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When the plant will bloom
full grown dimensions
Heliconia angusta 'Orange Christmas'
Heliconia are widely cultivated as ornamentals. Common names for the genus include lobster-claws, wild plantains or false bird-of-paradise. The last term refers to their close similarity to the bird-of-paradise flowers (Strelitzia). It can grow up to 5m in height. 'Orange Christmas' is a striking bright orange heliconia which blooms from early winter to spring. Can grow in partial shade to full sun, and will bloom in a pot. The pale yellow flowers contrast nicely with the orange bracts.
Flowering
From Mid Summer TO Late Summer
In their native habitat, Heleconia typically flower during the wet season. As they are only suitable for greenhouses, in cooler climes, they are most likely to flower in the Summer months when there is plenty of sunlight, and conditions are kept moist by frequent spraying
Planting
From Early Spring TO Mid Spring
Plant young plants in soils that are rich in humus in order to grow well. Rhizomes should be planted in a well draining soil with the very tip protruding out of the soil.
Propagating by seed
From Early Summer TO Late Summer
The seeds are difficult to source and are likely to be purchased from specialist seed collectors. They should be sown in rich soil, kept moist and under cover until germination with a minimum temperature of 18C.