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 Cut
Flower
of the month
heliconia
(printable
PDF)
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BOTANICAL NAME
Heliconia spp. (hel-i-KO-nee-a)
COMMON NAMES
Lobster claw, False bird-of-paradise, Parrot flower
DESCRIPTION
Heliconias are grown for their brilliant, unusual flower heads
(bracts), which rise from clusters of bananalike leaves.
Heliconias’ size and height vary greatly depending on the
species. Some are as short as 2 feet tall, and some grow to 25
feet in height. The colorful bracts may be erect, pendulous or
spiraling.
COLORS
Most Heliconias have more than one color in the blossoms. The
colors include hues of red, pink, yellow, orange, green and
white.
VASE LIFE
Consumers can enjoy Heliconia flowers for up to three weeks,
depending on variety and the care and handling the flowers
receive.
AVAILABILITY
Heliconias are available year-round.
 VASE-LIFE
EXTENDERS
PROCESSING TIPS Do not
submerge Heliconias in water, as is often done with gingers and
Anthuriums. To remove the white powder that often covers the
flower heads, stems and leaves, sponge the areas with a
room-temperature solution of soap that contains a few drops of
cooking oil, rinse with fresh water and allow to dry. Plant
shine products also can be used; follow label instructions.
REFRIGERATION Heliconias are
sensitive to low temperatures, which can cause them to turn a
bluish or gray color, so never expose them to temperatures below
55 F.
WATER Check the water level
daily, and add warm flower-food solution as needed. Recut the
stems every two to three days to ensure effective water uptake.
Misting frequently will assist in bud development and opening.
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
Heliconias’ sensitivity to ethylene is low.
QUALITY CHECKLIST
BLOOMS Heliconia blossoms
need to be harvested and chosen at their peak of maturity
because they do not develop after they are cut. Look for
blossoms that have high gloss and vivid color. Avoid blossoms
that are creased or marred. Don’t purchase Heliconias too far in
advance.
OF NOTE
DESIGN TIPS Heliconias are
perfect for nearly every floral need, from tropical-themed
weddings to everyday home and commercial designs. Their long
vase lives make them a good choice for designs that are expected
to last a long time, and their unusual shapes make them suitable
focal points for contemporary designs.
CONSUMER CARE TIPS Advise
customers to display Heliconias away from direct sunlight and
heat sources, and to mist them for longer enjoyment.
FUN FACTS
MEANING “Heliconia” refers
to Mount Helicon in Greece, home to the Muses, goddesses of the
arts and sciences in Greek mythology. The Muses were said to be
eternally young and beautiful, thus the name “Heliconia” refers
to the flowers’ long-lasting and attractive qualities.
FAMILY Heliconias are the
only genus in the Heliconiaceae family. The genus has about 200
to 250 species and many cultivars. Heliconias were once grouped
in the Musaceae (banana) family and the Strelitziaceae
(bird-of-paradise) family, giving it one of its common names,
“false bird-of-paradise.”
ORIGINS Heliconias are
native to South America, Central America, the Southwest Pacific
Islands and Southeast Asia.
ON THE WEB The Web site of
The Heliconia Society of Puerto Rico, Inc.,
www.heliconiasocietypr.org, has photos of many of the
species of Heliconia that are in production. sfr
Some information provided by:
The Chain of Life Network,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
SAF’s Flower & Plant Care manual
The Heliconia Society of Puerto Rico, Inc.,
www.heliconiasocietypr.org
You may reach “Cut Flower of the Month” writer Steven W.
Brown, AIFD, at
sbfloral@aol.com or by phone at (415) 239-3140.
Photos courtesy of Asocolflores, The Colombian Association of
Flower Exporters; Blue Ribbon Blossoms; and Hawaii Tropical
Flower Council
To enjoy the rest of this
issue, please go to the
Subscriptions page and get your
copy of Super Floral Retailing today!!!
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