This tropical rhizomatous perennial has slender upright stems that form a clump with large arching oblong, banana-like dark green leaves. The small yellow flowers are clustered in pendulous red boat-like bracts that appear from the top during summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Heliconia collinsiana is naturally found from southern Mexico to Guatemala and Peru in South America growing in tropical forests in moist organic rich well drained soils in a semi shaded position with wind, frost and drought protection. 

Collins' Heliconia is grown for its flowers and is planted in tropical gardens or around water features and for screen planting in shady borders. In cool climates it is grown in conservatories and established from division in 1 to 3 years. The flowers are used in the floristry industry and the whole plant is dusted in a white powdery bloom. ID 2290

Heliconia (hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh) collinsiana (kahl-linz’-ee-AHN-a)

Heliconiaceae (HEL-ee-Kon-ee-AY-see-ee)