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Image shows the ornamental blooms of
butterfly and bird attractor, Heliconia psittacorum 'Choconiana' or
Parrot's Beak
Closer view of Heliconia psittacorum 'Choconiana' or False Bird of
Paradise blossom |
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Heliconia psittacorum
'Choconiana'
(Heliconia False Bird of Paradise, Parrot's Beak) |
Origin: Native to Mexico
Family: Heliconiaceae
Light: Full sun/sun-part shade
Height: 4-8'
Spacing: 4-8'
Blooms: repeated blooms of exotic upright orange bracts, shape
of bird's beaks
Foliage:
Green, large, wide, leathery, smooth-textured, veined, banana-like
Soil: Humus-rich with coarse sand added, well-drained, keep moist
Water: Abundant
Propagation: Rootball divisions
Uses: Fencing, wet garden, cut flowers, mass planting, container,
landscaping
Comments:
Heliconia psittacorum 'Choconiana' or Heliconia False Bird of Paradise
or Parrot's Beak
is a showy erect sub-tropical plant with an erect growth habit.
This compact perennial spreads by offsets. The
ornamental flowers are shaped like the parrot's beak, hence its common
name; the blooms attract many butterflies and birds. Heliconia
False Bird of Paradise is a sun-loving plant and can tolerate
temperature to as low as 35 degrees F. Mulch well for moisture. Frost will destroy the top part of the plant but will
recover the following season with new growth.
Heliconia psittacorum 'Choconiana' is low maintenance and grows fast. This is
the plant for you if you want to fill up an empty space in your garden
quickly. Parrot's Beak is easily propagated by rootball divisions and planted in the full sun to part shade garden. Plant
them in masses as fencing plants in the moist landscape for an exotic effect; you will
have many cut flowers to make an exquisite bouquet or for floral
arrangement. Heliconia False Bird of Paradise adds a
tropical flair to your perennial landscape. They make gorgeous
container plants for spicing up your deck or porch.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 9-11 |
