Experienced grower's notes on Heliconia

I've been growing plants seriously for over fifteen years and Heliconia remains a reliable favourite. For anyone starting out: the most critical thing is watering generously in summer and reducing in winter. Everything else follows from that.

spider mite infestations in hot dry conditions is the challenge that trips up most beginners and some experienced growers too. I've been growing mine in a warm humid conservatory or heated greenhouse for three seasons now and the results are consistently good. dramatic large leaves or flowers that create an instant impact is what makes it worth coming back to year after year. bringing back indoors before first autumn frost is when I show it off — it earns its place fully then.