I just love tropicals and would very much like to integrate some different plants into my garden this year. Does anyone in Southern California (especially the inland areas) grow Heliconia outside? I've had pretty good success with variegated ginger and am wondering if I dare expand...I live in San Bernardino and am wondering if others have experience in my area.
Thanks, karen
Heliconia outside in Southern California?
There's one called 'Fire & Ice' which is apparently quite hardy and some have even attempted it here.
I have several types of Heliconias growing outside, including the one mentioned above. They all make it through the winter, but like bananas tend to get tattered and look a little sad, but pop right back with the return of warm weather. After two years outside, none have yet bloomed though, but they were quite small when I planted them.
Here is picture of one of them right after the freeze last month.
What other types do you have? I think I'll give them a try.
I have four species growing so far. Heliconia schiedeana (Fire & Ice), H. stricta, H. bourgiana, and one unknown. All do fairly well, but the H. stricta took the biggest hit with the frost this year.
Lonny