Heliconia schiedeana

Heliconia schiedeana is the most cold-hardy species of lobster claw. Although we have had it survive 10 degrees F in the ground, it requires two-year-old growth to produce flowers. Protection, such as a banana cage filled with mulch, should do the trick. When happy, the 6' tall stalk of bold thalia-like foliage is topped from summer through fall with upright, bright red, lobster-like inflorescences adorned with bright yellow flowers at the axils. Dry soil in winter is the key to survival in regions with cold winter climates.