Hawaii Flower Guide
Heliconia
Heliconia is a bold tropical flower related to banana, with tall leaf stalks and colorful bracts that hold small flowers. In Hawaii, many heliconia species bring bright color to gardens and rainforest-style landscapes.
Heliconia Overview
Heliconia is a bold tropical plant closely related to banana. It has sturdy leaf stalks that can grow up to about 20 feet tall, giving the plant a strong vertical look in warm garden and rainforest-style settings.
The parts people usually notice first are the large, brightly colored bracts. The actual flowers are much smaller and grow inside these bracts. This structure gives heliconia its dramatic look and helps explain why it is so popular in tropical landscapes and floral arrangements.
Bracts, Flowers and Hawaii Landscapes
Heliconia is native to South America, but many species grow in Hawaii. At least 22 species can be found in the Islands, adding a wide mix of shapes, sizes and colors to gardens and planted areas.
Some heliconia types have upright bracts, while others hang in long, curved clusters. The colors may include red, orange, yellow, pink or green, depending on the species and variety. Their large leaves also add texture, even when the plant is not blooming.
In Hawaii, heliconia works well in moist, warm places where the plant has room to grow. It can make a strong background plant or a colorful focal point in tropical gardens. Related Hawaii flower pages include Bird of Paradise, red ginger, blue ginger and canna.
