Color:

Heliconia

Heliconia rostrata

Perennial

Lobster claw with hanging bracts in red and yellow. Extremely exotic. Large and dramatic. Also called lobster claw or parrot flower. Tropical rainforest native. Symbol of tropical paradise.

Bloom Season

Year-round

Habitat

Tropical

Where to Buy

Find local florists carrying Heliconia

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Perfect For

WeddingCorporate

Care & Vase Life

Stays fresh for 14 to 21 days

when properly cared for

Extremely long-lasting tropical flower

Keep in warm water - never refrigerate

Mist regularly in dry environments

Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 55F

Long-lasting - 14-21 days

Keep warm

Mist regularly

Change water every 4-5 days

Fragrance Profile

No Scent

Heliconia has no fragrance

Fun Facts

Named after Mount Helicon, home of the Muses in Greek mythology

The colorful parts are bracts - the true flowers are tiny inside

Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators of heliconia

Also called Lobster Claws and Wild Plantains

Origin & History

Native to Central and South America

Native to the tropical Americas, heliconias evolved with hummingbirds - the long curved bracts match the curve of hummingbird beaks. They were introduced to other tropical regions in the 20th century and became a staple of the tropical cut flower industry, symbolizing exotic beauty.