Heliconia
Heliconia, often called lobster claw or false bird-of-paradise, is a boldly architectural tropical whose waxy, boat-shaped bracts zig-zag up a tall stem in vivid red, orange and yellow. Native to the tropical Americas, it brings instant drama, scale and a sculptural line to large-scale and tropical designs. Its thick stems and long vase life make it a workhorse for installations, tall arrangements and event work. Few flowers deliver the same tropical impact from a single stem.
| Family | Heliconiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tropical Americas |
| Peak season | all year |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 60–120 cm |
| Vase life | 10–18 days |
| Colors | red, orange, yellow, pink, green |
| Price tier | mid |
Recut the thick stem on a sharp angle and use a deep, clean vase, as heliconia drinks heavily. Rinse the bracts under running water to flush out debris and any insects. Keep it warm and never store below 12C, since it is chill-sensitive and blackens with cold damage. Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it clear.
- •Recut the thick stem on a sharp angle
- •Use a deep, clean vase — stems drink heavily
- •Rinse the bracts to flush out debris and insects
- •Keep warm; never store below 12C
- •Change the water every 2-3 days
2 named heliconia cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Heliconia in season?
Heliconia peaks in all year, and florists can usually source it January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Heliconia last in a vase?
Expect 10–18 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Heliconia?
Good substitutes for Heliconia include Bird of paradise, Anthurium, Protea. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Heliconia symbolise?
Heliconia is associated with boldness, exotic, warmth, strength.
How do you care for cut Heliconia?
Recut the thick stem on a sharp angle
