Heliconia rostrata

Heliconia rostrata is native to the north western region of South America, commonly called lobster claw because of the flowers' resemblance to it. It is also profusely growing here in the Philippines and are also popularly used to enhance flower arrangements. 


Ours produce more flowers in February to March, at the start of the dry season. At other times of the year they also flower but not as profusely during these months. After the flowers wilt, the spent stems are better cut to give way to healthier growing follow-up stems. Otherwise the clumps become crowded and untidy.


Ours is a clump growing near the street and the entrance. We remove also some suckers to keep them confined to a smaller area. It has already been here for more than twenty years now, and even with just occasional cutbacks and trimmings, they are still growing beautifully. Everyone passing by never fail to appreciate the profuse blooms. They last for more than a month in that condition, and later turn brown and wilt.