Ginger Plants - Heliconias, Ornamental or Tropical Ginger Plants

Ginger Plants - Heliconias or Tropical Ginger Plants are found in Indonesia, the Pacific Islands and Central American nations and are grown for the flowers as well as the foliage.

Heliconias are great garden specimens and are also much sought after by the florist industry as they are most suitable as cut flowers. Heliconias are a tropical plant so cool climate gardeners miss out on such beauties as Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia rostrata, and the giant Heliconia caribaea.

Heliconias or 'Ginger Plants' (Ornamental Gingers) are really a tropical plant and require these conditions to thrive. Heleconias have leaves similar to those of the bannana or strelitzia. Helecionias are prized for their showy inflorescences which hold the true flowers. (see picture right)

The ginger family actually contains a wide range of plants including Ziniber, Hedichium, Curcuma and Alpinia

Heliconias or 'Ginger Plant' Profile, Care and Growing Notes

Heleconias may be grown in pots or in the ground, they do have a vigourous root system so consider using a root barrier when planting in the open if this is a concern. A deep moist humus rich soil is best. In the tropics plant heleconias just before the wet season commences for best results. Heleconias may die back in winter but will flower from summer through autumn.

Popular Heliconias include:
Heliconia psittacorum (Parrot's Beak, or Parrot's Flower)
Heliconia rostrata (Hanging lobster claw)
Heliconia caribaea (Giant heliconia)