General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Partial or Dappled Shade
Water Preferences: Wet
Wet Mesic
Soil pH Preferences: Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5)
Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8)
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 °F) to +1.7 °C (35 °F)
Maximum recommended zone: Zone 11
Plant Height: 4 to 6 feet
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: Red
Other: Reddish-orange bracts covered in hairs.
Flower Time: Spring
Late spring or early summer
Summer
Late summer or early fall
Underground structures: Rhizome
Suitable Locations: Houseplant
Resistances: Humidity tolerant
Salt tolerant
Propagation: Other methods: Division
Other: Suckers that form at the base of the plant.
Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots

Image
Common names
  • Kitty Kat Heliconia
  • Donkey's Tail
  • Furry Heliconia
  • King Kong Heliconia
  • Lobster Tail

Photo Gallery
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: 2008-08-30
Location: Costa Rica
Date: October 2015
Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica | Old Photo
Date: 2022-12-23
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: 2012-03-22
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: 2008-08-30
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: 2008-08-30
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: 2008-08-30
Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica | Old Photo
Date: 2022-12-23
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: 2012-03-22
Location: z6a, Smith College Botanical Garden
Date: 2012-10-14
Two blooms peeking out on left
Location: Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo N.P.
Location: Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo N.P.
Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Cool pic - but I think it is upside down... by Bonehead Nov 7, 2015 4:55 AM 1

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