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False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Heliconia angusta 'Red Christmas'

 

False bird-of-paradise 'Red 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. 'Red Christmas' blooms in abundance during the holiday season. The red bracts open with decorative pure white flowers. The green lance-shaped leaves add to the festive colors. ‘Red Christmas’ grows to 1.3m tall and has long-lasting flowers which last for weeks.

 
plant Features
  • False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

  • False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas is a little frost hardy: 32f (0°c)

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas likes moist and rich

    Moist and rich

 
plant information

Common name

False bird-of-paradise 'Red Christmas'

Latin name

Heliconia angusta 'Red Christmas'

type

Herbaceous Perennials

family

Heliconiaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas is a little frost hardy: 32f (0°c)

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Soil

    False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas likes moist and rich

    Moist and rich

  • Water

    False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant
  •  
    When the plant will bloom

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown False bird-of-paradise Red Christmas is 1.00meters x 1.30meters 1.00 M 1.30 M

Heliconia angusta 'Red 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. 'Red Christmas' blooms in abundance during the holiday season. The red bracts open with decorative pure white flowers. The green lance-shaped leaves add to the festive colors. ‘Red Christmas’ grows to 1.3m tall and has long-lasting flowers which last for weeks.


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.

 
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