Heliconia Kawauchi
Origin
Cultivar developed for its unique characteristics, original species native to tropical regions of Central and South America
Description
Heliconia 'Kawauchi', commonly known as Kawauchi Heliconia, is a vibrant and striking tropical plant known for its dramatic, brightly colored bracts and lush foliage. This cultivar is highly valued for its ornamental beauty and exotic appearance, making it a standout feature in tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Flowers
The flowers of the Kawauchi Heliconia are small and inconspicuous, but they are surrounded by large, brightly colored bracts that can range from red and orange to yellow and pink. These bracts are arranged in a distinctive, upright or pendulous inflorescence that resembles a lobster claw, which is a common name for many Heliconia species.
Foliage
The leaves are large, paddle-shaped, and glossy, with a rich green color. Each leaf can reach up to 1-2 meters in length, creating a lush and tropical appearance. The foliage is dense and adds a vibrant backdrop to the colorful bracts.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, blue to black drupe that is not typically consumed. The primary ornamental value of the plant lies in its bracts and foliage rather than its fruit.
Form and Size
The Kawauchi Heliconia typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters with a spread of 1-2 meters. It has a clumping growth habit, forming dense clusters of upright stems topped with the dramatic bracts and large leaves.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full sun. It benefits from some protection from the harshest midday sun in very hot climates.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It benefits from high humidity levels.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as an accent plant. Also suitable for mass plantings and creating lush, tropical screens.
- Ornamental: The vibrant bracts and lush foliage provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Containers: Can be grown in large containers for patios, verandas, and indoor spaces with sufficient light.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and spent bracts to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Kawauchi Heliconia is a versatile and visually striking plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or landscape. Its vibrant bracts and lush foliage make it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers seeking to create an exotic and colorful environment.
Companion Plants
- Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)
- Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)
- Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise)
- Calathea spp. (Calathea)
Common Name
Kawauchi Heliconia
Botanical Name
Heliconia 'Kawauchi'
Family
Heliconiaceae
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Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
