This rhizomatous perennial is upright with large banana-like dark green leaves and forms a large clump. The yellow tube-shaped flowers are arranged in a long pendant spike with orange-red bracts and appears during spring.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Heliconia pogonanthais naturally found in Central America from Costa Rica to Panama growing in the rainforest understorey and commonly along water courses.

It prefers a organic rich well drained moist soil that is tending acidic in a slightly shaded to sunny wind protected position and is drought and frost tender.

This large Heliconia is grown for its huge inflorescence and its clumping habit. It is planted in tropical gardens along borders or along creek embankments. It is suitable for tropical coastal or mountainous regions establishing in 2 to 4 years. It is also used in gully plantings and may be grown in bright conservatories in cold climates. ID 2945

Heliconia(hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh) pogonantha (pow-go-NAN-th-a)

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