Finding Beautiful Heliconia Plants for Sale Near You

Heliconia also known as lobster claws or false bird of paradise are absolutely gorgeous tropical plants that add a pop of vibrant color to any garden. With their striking blooms that look like exotic birds or butterflies, it’s no wonder heliconia are becoming increasingly popular. If you’re looking to add some heliconia to your own outdoor space, you may be wondering where you can find these stunning plants for sale near you.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about purchasing heliconia plants locally, from the best places to look to what to expect in terms of pricing and availability. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right heliconia varieties and care for your new plants.

Where to Find Heliconia for Sale Nearby

While not as common as some other flowering plants, heliconia can often be found at the following local sources:

• Independent garden centers – Privately owned garden stores tend to have good selections of unique tropicals like heliconia, Look for plant nurseries or specialty growers in your area

• Home improvement stores – Big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot will carry a limited choice of the most popular heliconia varieties in stock seasonally, generally in spring and summer

• Farmers markets – You may find heliconia for sale at outdoor farmers markets and flea markets, sold by local growers and nurseries. Availability will depend on your location.

• Online retailers – Websites like Logee’s, Glasshouse Works, and Plant Delights Nursery all ship heliconia plants nationwide if you can’t find what you want locally.

What Heliconia Varieties to Look For

With over 200 species, there are many different types of heliconia to choose from. Some of the most popular varieties you’re likely to find include:

• Heliconia psittacorum – The most commonly grown species. Produces orange and yellow bird-like flowers. Grows up to 6 feet tall.

• Heliconia rostrata – Also known as hanging lobster claws. Has beautiful dangling red flowers. Height around 5 feet.

• Heliconia wagneriana – One of the smaller types, topping out around 4 feet. Bright red and yellow blossoms.

• Heliconia stricta – Grows up to 10 feet tall! Eye-catching dark red and green blooms.

• Heliconia caribaea – A dwarf heliconia that only reaches 2-3 feet. Colorful red and yellow blooms.

When browsing heliconia plants for sale, look for ones with healthy green leaves and firm, upright stalks. Avoid any plants with yellow, wilting leaves or damaged stems.

What to Expect to Pay for Heliconia

Heliconia is considered a premium tropical plant, so expect to pay more than you would for common outdoor annuals. Here’s what pricing typically looks like:

• Seedlings or small starter plants – $10 to $25 each. Around 1 to 2 feet tall.

• Established young plants – $25 to $50. Usually 2 to 4 feet tall with some existing flowers.

• Large mature plants – $50 to $150. Towering 5 feet or taller and actively blooming.

Rarer heliconia species or varieties can cost even more. Factors like plant size, age, health, and current blooms impact pricing.

Shop early in the season for the best selection and remember pricing often decreases towards the end of summer.

Caring for Heliconia Plants in Your Garden

Once you get your prized heliconia home, you’ll want to provide the right care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips:

• Site in full sun to partial shade. Most varieties need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Provide rich, humus-heavy soil. Amend with compost or manure to improve drainage.

• Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry. Don’t let the roots sit in water.

• Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced tropical plant fertilizer.

• Stake tall varieties to provide support in windy conditions. Tie loose blooms to stems.

• Prune back any damaged or dead leaves/stems to improve appearance.

• Bring potted plants indoors before temps dip below 60°F to overwinter.

With the right growing conditions, heliconia will continue blooming spring through fall, lighting up your landscape with their bold, vibrant colors. The flowering stalks make beautiful cut flowers as well.

Enjoy the Tropical Beauty of Heliconia

Heliconia plants are one of the best ways to bring a touch of the tropics to your garden. Their incredibly colorful, eye-catching blooms are definitely worth seeking out. Now that you know where to find heliconia for sale and what to look for when shopping, you can start exploring the wonderful varieties available near you. Just provide plenty of sunlight, rich soil, ample water, and fertilizer to keep your new heliconia happy. In no time at all, you’ll have a beautiful and exotic display unlike any other flowering plant.