Finding Beautiful Heliconia Plants for Sale Near You

Heliconia also known as lobster claws or parrot’s beak, are absolutely gorgeous tropical plants known for their vibrant, colorful blooms. With paddle-shaped leaves and hanging inflorescences, heliconia make stunning additions to any garden or indoor space.

If you’re looking to add some heliconia to your home you’re in luck – these visually striking plants are increasingly available from local nurseries and garden centers. Here’s what you need to know about finding and choosing the best heliconia for sale near you.

A Bit About Heliconia

Heliconia are tropical perennials native to regions like Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands. There are around 250 different heliconia species and cultivars to choose from.

These plants thrive in warm, humid environments and make excellent houseplants. Outdoors, they can be grown in USDA zones 10-11 as landscape plants, or during summer months in cooler zones as annuals.

One of the most defining features of heliconia are their inflorescences that emerge on long stalks arising from the rhizomes. Shaped like lobster claws, parrot’s beaks, or hanging clusters, the bracts come in a rainbow of colors like red, orange, yellow, pink, and more.

The actual heliconia flowers are small and less showy, emerging from between the bracts. But the overall effect of the blooms is nothing short of stunning.

Availability from Local Sources

Heliconia were once rare and hard to find, only available from specialty growers. But today, they are becoming more mainstream and easier to locate from local sources.

You’re most likely to find young heliconia plants for sale at:

• Independent garden centers and nurseries, especially those focused on tropical varieties.

• Big box home improvement stores with garden centers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

• Local plant swaps, sales, or auctions hosted by gardening clubs/societies.

• Farmer’s markets and flea markets – some vendors sell live plants including heliconia.

• Botanical gardens and conservatories, which may have plant sales a few times per year.

Online shopping is also an option if you can’t find what you want locally. Just be sure to buy from reputable sellers who guarantee live arrival.

What to Look for When Buying

When shopping for heliconia, here are some tips for choosing the best quality plants:

• Look for healthy rhizomes that are plump and firm with no mushy spots. Avoid shriveled or damaged rhizomes.

• Select plants with well-developed root systems and several shoots emerging from the rhizome.

• Check that the leaves are green and intact, with no yellowing or brown spots/edges.

• For blooming plants, make sure the inflorescence is vibrant and upright, not wilted or brown.

• Opt for established, mature plants unless you want to grow heliconia from seeds or small rhizome cuttings.

• Read plant tags and descriptions to ensure you’re getting the specific heliconia variety you want.

• Ask sellers about a plant’s care needs to make sure you can provide suitable growing conditions.

By inspecting plants carefully and querying sellers, you can get the best quality heliconia that will thrive after you bring them home.

Popular Varieties to Look For

With so many heliconia species and cultivars available, it can be hard to decide which ones to choose! Here are some of the most popular varieties to look for when shopping:

Heliconia Psittacorum

One of the most widely available heliconia, psittacorum features dark green leaves with vibrant red and yellow bracts resembling parrot’s beaks. Great in borders or containers.

Heliconia Stricta

Boasts slender, graceful leaves and pendulous orange and black bracts. A good choice for cut flowers. Dwarf varieties perfect for containers.

Heliconia Caribaea

Known for large, shiny leaves and showy inflorescences in shades like yellow, green, orange, and red. Adds bold tropical flair.

Heliconia Bihai

A stunner with lobster claw-like blooms in combinations of yellow, orange, red, pink, and black. Requires warm temperatures.

Heliconia Rostrata

One of the tallest heliconia that makes a dramatic statement. Has dangling red and yellow inflorescences.

Heliconia Wagneriana

A compact variety under 3 feet tall. Produces abundant burnt orange and yellow blooms great for arrangements.

Caring for Your Heliconia

Once you get your prized heliconia plants home, be sure to care for them properly so they stay healthy and keep blooming. Here are some key care tips:

• Site in bright, filtered light indoors or dappled sunlight outdoors. Avoid full sun.

• Use well-draining, organically enriched soil. Amend if needed.

• Water regularly to maintain moist (but not soaked) soil.

• Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

• Prune away dead leaves/stems and spent blooms to encourage new growth.

• Bring plants indoors or protect from frost when temperatures drop below 60°F.

With the right growing conditions and care, heliconia are sure to thrive both indoors and outdoors for years of enjoyment. Just be sure to buy from reputable local sources.

The Takeaway

Heliconia are absolutely stunning, and their popularity makes it easier than ever to find beautiful, healthy plants from sources near you. Check local nurseries, garden centers, plant sales, and reputable online sellers when shopping. Select established plants with no defects. And provide proper care after bringing your heliconia home. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy their gorgeous blooms and exotic tropical flair.