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False bird-of-paradise Petersen in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Heliconia bourgaeana 'Petersen'

 

False bird-of-paradise 'Petersen'

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. 'Bourgaeana' has an inflorescence that can flower all year. The bracts are red, pink a crimson ripening to purple.

Contributed by @bel

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

    Full sun to partial shade

  • False bird-of-paradise Petersen likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

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

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • False bird-of-paradise Petersen likes moist and rich

    Moist and rich

 
plant information

Common name

False bird-of-paradise 'Petersen'

Latin name

Heliconia bourgaeana 'Petersen'

type

Herbaceous Perennials

family

Heliconiaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    False bird-of-paradise Petersen likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

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

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Soil

    False bird-of-paradise Petersen likes moist and rich

    Moist and rich

  • Water

    False bird-of-paradise Petersen 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 Petersen is 2.00meters x 5.00meters 2.00 M 5.00 M

Heliconia bourgaeana 'Petersen'

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. 'Bourgaeana' has an inflorescence that can flower all year. The bracts are red, pink a crimson ripening to purple.


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

 

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.

 

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.

 
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