Heliconia stricta 'Iris'
False bird-of-paradise 'Iris'
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. 'Iris' is a beautiful bright red winter and spring blooming heliconia. It is a vigorous plant and prolific bloomer, 1.8m tall. Can grow in partial shade to full sun. Bracts are pure red, with a thin green border.
Contributed by @LeonCharalambous
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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 'Iris'
Latin name
Heliconia stricta 'Iris'
type
Herbaceous Perennials
family
Heliconiaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun to partial shade
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Frost
A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
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Soil
Moist and rich
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Water
Frequent watering
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
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When the plant will bloom
full grown dimensions
1.20 M
1.80 M
Heliconia stricta 'Iris'
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. 'Iris' is a beautiful bright red winter and spring blooming heliconia. It is a vigorous plant and prolific bloomer, 1.8m tall. Can grow in partial shade to full sun. Bracts are pure red, with a thin green border.
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.
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.
LeonCharalambous
drumadixit