Lobsterclaw
Heliconia caribaea
- Native to:
- Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
Justin Lebar
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Heliconiaceae
- Genus:
- Heliconia
- Species:
- Heliconia caribaea
- USDA Symbol:
- HECA10
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- red, yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bats
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in organic-rich environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require warmth (75-85°F) and consistent moisture. Germination is often erratic and slow; soaking seeds for 24-48 hours improves results.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI