Species false bird of paradise
lobster claw-like red flowers with yellow tips and red stem

false bird of paradise

Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice'

False bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') is an exotic plant species native to Central America. It is an evergreen herbaceous perennial and has very showy, fiery red and icy white bracts held to a single stem. Its long, leathery leaves create a bold, tropical look. This relatively low-maintenance plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and semi-shade. It produces a yellow-green inflorescence in summer, and provides important food and shelter for birds, bees, and other pollinators. Its strikingly unique blooms make 'Fire and Ice' a perfect choice for adding color and drama to tropical gardens.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Red bracts and yellow sepals Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your false bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') once a week and make sure to saturate the roots. If the soil feels dry to the touch, add enough water until the soil is evenly moist. If the soil is soggy, don't water it. During the growing season, you can increase watering to twice a week, adding enough water to moisten the soil to a 6-inch depth. In the winter, you can cut back watering to once a month.

sunlight

The false bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') thrives best in an environment with plenty of sunlight. Ideal exposure to sunlight is at least 5 to 6 hours a day of direct sunlight. Furthermore, this type of plant prefers to be in full sun during the morning and filtered sun during the afternoon for optimum health and growth. It is best not to place this plant in full sun during the middle of the day as it may suffer from leaf burn.

pruning

False bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') should be pruned 1 to 2 times a year to keep it healthy. In spring, prune just above a branch node or bud. Cut the flower stalks down at least halfway, and deadheading will help encourage new growth. In late summer or early fall, prune any water sprouts or wayward branches so that the plant has a neat, symmetrical shape. Pruning can also be done to thin out the older foliage to allow light to reach the plant's base. Avoid cutting too many stems at once, since this can reduce the plant's vigor and flower production.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

The Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map