Top 10 Must-Have Tropical Plants for Queensland Gardens
Heliconia bihai x caribaea 'Richmond Red'
Description:
Heliconia bihai x caribaea 'Richmond Red' is a stunning hybrid tropical plant valued for its vivid red bracts and lush green foliage. This evergreen perennial adds a bold and exotic element to gardens and landscapes, thriving in warm, humid climates. Its vibrant bracts make it a standout feature in tropical gardens, while its height and dense growth habit make it excellent for screens or backdrops.
Flowers:
The inflorescence consists of upright, vivid red bracts that encase small, tubular flowers. These flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden. The striking bracts are long-lasting, providing color and interest for extended periods.
Foliage:
The plant features large, paddle-shaped leaves with a glossy green surface and a tropical, architectural appeal. The foliage forms dense clumps, creating a lush, vibrant backdrop for the bright bracts.
Form and Size:
'Richmond Red' has a clumping growth habit, typically reaching a height of 2 to 3.5 meters with a spread of 1.5 to 2 meters. Its upright form and bold presence make it a striking feature in tropical-themed gardens.
Growing Conditions:
This heliconia thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter. Consistent moisture is essential, but it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments and requires protection from frost in cooler climates. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and regulates root temperature.
Uses:
'Richmond Red' is ideal as a feature plant in tropical or subtropical gardens, as a dense screen or backdrop, and in mixed borders. Its striking bracts are also highly prized in floral arrangements, making it a popular choice for the cut flower industry.
Maintenance:
This heliconia is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering and feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Remove spent flowers and any damaged or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. Protect from frost and cold winds in cooler regions to ensure healthy growth.
Notes:
'Richmond Red' is a robust hybrid that combines the best traits of its parent species. It is known for its vivid bracts, lush foliage, and adaptability to warm climates, making it an essential addition to tropical gardens.
Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with other tropical plants like Cordyline, Alpinia (Ginger), and Calathea. It also complements ferns, Philodendron, and ground covers like Liriope for layered and textured garden designs.
Common Name: Richmond Red Heliconia
Botanical Name: Heliconia bihai x caribaea 'Richmond Red'
Family: Heliconiaceae
Origin: Central and South America (Hybrid Cultivar)
As we cannot guarantee stock all year around on Pots & Plants please hit us up via the chat button and we can get back to you with availability
Quantity:
Usually ready in 24 hours —
Delivery Options
- We Offer a local Sunshine Coast delivery service in our Truck.
- Orders placed before Tuesday 9.00am will be Delivered on Wednesday and or Friday of that week on the Sunshine Coast.
- For more information on Deliveries outside the Sunshine Coast please click here
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-store however we can either order it in or deliver it to your door. 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 store 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
- the above information is exactly the same for Pots. they come and go all year around so please send us a message via the chat button and we will get back to you with availability
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.
- Visit us instore and get the right advice the first time to make your plants succeed
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 Rocky Point potting mixes to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use Rocky Point garden soil around your plants at the time of planting