Common Name: false bird of paradise
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Heliconiaceae
Zone: 8 to 10
Height: 6.00 to 8.00 feet
Spread: 6.00 to 8.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Red bracts and yellow sepals
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Culture
Easily grown in evenly moist, well-draining, rich, humusy soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers some afternoon shade in climates with very hot summers. Hardy in Zones 8-10. One of the few species of Heliconia that will flower in cooler, subtropical climates. Although this plant is root hardy to 10°F with a generous layer of winter mulch, it requires two uninterrupted years of freeze-free growth to flower. Can become somewhat aggressive. Control by removing runners or planting in an enclosed area.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heliconia schiedeana, commonly called false bird of paradise or hardy lobster claw, is a herbaceous perennial native to southern Mexico where it is found growing on moist, forested slopes and riparian thickets. This species of Heliconia has a growth habit similar to a banana, with oblong to ovate, dark green, glossy leaves that can reach up to 5' long and 1' wide held on upright to gently arching stalks. The undersides of the midribs typically have a layer of fine hairs. Mature clumps can reach up to 8' tall with an equal spread. Can also form large colonies via spreading underground rhizomes. In summer, a sturdy, 1' tall, inflorescence emerges from the center of the plant. Bright red, showy, bracts contain the clusters of small, yellow flowers and are arranged spirally along the red peduncle (inflorescence stem). The bracts and peduncles are covered in a layer of fine hairs when young and become smooth with age. The blooms are attractive to hummingbirds.
Genus name comes from Mount Helicon in Greece where it was supposed that the Muses lived.
The specific epithet schiedeana honors Christian Julius Wilhelm Schiede (1798-1836), a German botanist and physician who lived and worked in Mexico.
'Fire and Ice' and the species have most of their cultural requirements and physical characteristics in common.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Root rot is a potential issue in colder climates if planted in poorly drained, wet soils.
Uses
Adds a tropical feel to mixed borders. Suitable for use as a backdrop or screen.