Heliconia Stricta Firebird Plant

About the Heliconia Stricta Firebird Plant

Heliconia stricta 'Firebird' is a compact heliconia with upright inflorescences of glossy, fiery scarlet bracts that seem to glow against its foliage. Stricta types are smaller than the big bihai and caribaea heliconias, so 'Firebird' brings the classic upright lobster-claw look to gardens where space is limited, and it is a fine choice for large containers, courtyards and the front of tropical borders. The flowers last well on the plant and as cut stems. It enjoys warmth, humidity and some shade from the strongest sun. Choose a rhizome, young plant or flowering-size clump.

How to Care for It

To plant a rhizome, lay it horizontally 5–10 cm deep in rich, well-drained soil with any shoot pointing up, water well and keep the soil just moist until new growth appears. Give sun to light shade and plenty of water, keeping the clump out of drying wind. Feed monthly in the rainy season with a balanced fertiliser, mulch generously and cut each stem at the base after its flowers fade.

Nothing says tropical like a heliconia in flower. Choose from the ten most popular varieties, including hanging lobster claw, Lady Di, Golden Torch, wagneriana and Sexy Pink. Start from a rhizome, or buy a potted young plant or a flowering-size clump.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Heliconia stricta 'Firebird'

Family

Heliconiaceae

Native to

Cultivar of a species from northern South America

Mature height

1–2 m

Plant spacing

1.5 m

Time to first flowers

1–1.5 years

Light

Sun to part shade

Water

High, keep moist

Cold tolerance

down to 7 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics

Grows in a pot

Yes

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas