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

Heliconia psittacorum 'Andromeda'

 

False bird-of-paradise 'Andromeda'

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. 'Andromeda' is a strong spreader that will fill a bed quickly and may even become invasive. Those living in temperate regions can grow it as a houseplant or conservatory specimen, though regular division and pot upgrades are required

Contributed by @LozzieT

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

    Full sun to partial shade

  • False bird-of-paradise Andromeda likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

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

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

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

    Moist and rich

 
plant information

Common name

False bird-of-paradise 'Andromeda'

Latin name

Heliconia psittacorum 'Andromeda'

type

Herbaceous Perennials

family

Heliconiaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

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

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

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

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Soil

    False bird-of-paradise Andromeda likes moist and rich

    Moist and rich

  • Water

    False bird-of-paradise Andromeda 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 Andromeda is 2.00meters x 2.50meters 2.00 M 2.50 M

Heliconia psittacorum 'Andromeda'

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. 'Andromeda' is a strong spreader that will fill a bed quickly and may even become invasive. Those living in temperate regions can grow it as a houseplant or conservatory specimen, though regular division and pot upgrades are required


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.

 

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.

 
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