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Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

Evergreen · Full Sun / Part Shade

Mature size: 1.5m–3m high × 1m–2m wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun / Part Shade
  • Mature height1.5m–3m
  • Mature width1m–2m
  • Frost Sensitive
  • Flowers

Bright upright tropical flower bracts create outstanding resort-style colour and lush landscape impact.

Regular price $140.00
Sale price $140.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$140.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ is an evergreen clumping perennial with slim upright stems, narrow glossy leaves and orange-red bracts tipped in yellow. It is one of the smaller heliconias, so the clump reads as a dense leafy mass rather than a tall thicket, and it carries bracts over a long warm season.

    Give it full sun to light shade, well drained soil enriched with compost, and water through summer. Growth is fast in tropical and subtropical zones, roughly 60 centimetres to 1.5 metres a year, and the clump thickens quickly. It is frost sensitive, so it needs a frost-free position sheltered from cold, drying wind.

    It suits low tropical borders, poolside beds, courtyard planting and the front edge of larger rainforest schemes where a taller heliconia would swamp the space. It also holds up well in big containers. For landscapers after tropical colour at a manageable height, it fills the gap between groundcover and canopy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Tropics Heliconia

    What is Heliconia ‘Tropics’?

    It is a hybrid heliconia between Heliconia psittacorum and Heliconia spathocircinata, grown as an evergreen clumping perennial. The stems are slender and upright, the leaves narrow and glossy, and the bracts a warm orange-red with yellow tips. It is smaller and tidier than most heliconias, which makes it much easier to place in a domestic garden.

    How fast does Tropics Heliconia grow?

    Quickly in warm conditions, putting on roughly 60 centimetres to 1.5 metres a year once the rhizome is established. A single plant will form a recognisable clump in one season and a solid mass by the second. Growth slows noticeably below about fifteen degrees, so most of the year's work happens between spring and autumn.

    How big does it get?

    Around 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide as a mature clump, and it keeps spreading slowly outwards from the rhizome unless it is contained. Plants grown in part shade tend to run slightly taller with looser stems. Cutting old stems out at ground level keeps the clump at the shorter end of that range.

    Can it grow in pots?

    Yes. It does well in a wide container of at least 50 to 60 centimetres with free-draining potting mix and regular feeding. Pots dry out fast in summer, so water often and stand the container out of hot afternoon wind. Repot or divide every couple of years, because a root bound clump flowers poorly.

    Is it frost tolerant?

    No, it is frost sensitive and even a light frost will scorch the foliage. Keep it in frost-free northern or coastal gardens, or in a protected courtyard where surrounding walls hold warmth overnight. If cold damage does occur, cut the burnt stems out at the base in early spring and the clump generally recovers.

    How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

    Space plants about 60 centimetres to 1 metre apart for a continuous low screen or mass planting. Closer spacing closes the gaps faster but needs more water and feeding, while wider spacing lets each clump show its own form. For a full looking bed, plant in odd numbered groups of three or five rather than a single straight line.

    How do I care for Tropics Heliconia?

    Keep the soil moist and mulched through the warm months, and feed in spring and midsummer with a complete fertiliser. Remove flowered stems at ground level, since each stem produces bracts once only. Lift and divide congested clumps every three or four years in spring, and clear away frost or wind damaged leaves as they appear.

    Key growing information
    Mature height1.5m to 3m
    Mature width1m to 2m
    PositionFull Sun / Part Shade
    Growth per year60cm to 1.5m per year under suitable conditions
    FrostFrost Sensitive
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormUpright
    UsesScreening or Privacy
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Upright
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    Mature height
    1.5m to 3m
    Mature width
    1m to 2m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

    Clumping screen: 60 cm to 1 metre apart for a dense tropical screen.

    Feature clump: 1 to 1.5 metres apart to let each clump build its own form.

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year under suitable conditions.

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia in Different Soil

    Heliconia psittacorum performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia works in an:

    • Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
    • Rainforest / Subtropical Garden – dense greenery for a rich, exotic feel.

    Is Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 1.5m to 3m

    Mature Width: 1m to 2m

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year under suitable conditions.

    Growth Rate of Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year under suitable conditions.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia

    Is Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia frost tolerant?

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

    Does Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia Flower?

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ produces striking upright flower bracts in vibrant tropical tones through the warmer months. The blooms rise prominently above the lush foliage, creating a bold exotic display that brings strong colour and architectural impact to tropical garden spaces.

    Does Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Autumn

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Red

    Is Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia is Native to

    What is the Wildlife Value of Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia ?

    Its vibrant flowers attract bees and nectar-feeding birds throughout the flowering season, supporting biodiversity within tropical and subtropical landscapes. The dense lush foliage also provides sheltered habitat for beneficial insects and small wildlife in humid garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia need?

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ performs best in rich, well-drained loam soils with high organic content and an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate heavier soils if improved with compost and organic matter to support drainage and moisture retention. Avoid dry sandy soils or persistently waterlogged conditions, as both extremes can reduce vigour and flowering quality. Keep soil consistently moist during active growth for best performance and appearance.

    Is Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia Drought Tolerant?

    Is Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ – Tropics Heliconia Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it requires regular watering to establish healthy vigorous growth, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Tropics’ shows moderate drought tolerance for short periods but performs best with consistent moisture to maintain lush foliage and strong flowering performance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Does Heliconia ‘Tropics’ prefer tropical climates?
    A: Yes, it thrives in warm humid frost-free environments.

    Q: Can it be used for screening?
    A: Yes, the dense upright growth habit makes it highly effective for tropical screening.

    Q: Does it require regular watering?
    A: Yes, it performs best with consistent moisture during active growth.

    Q: Is it suitable for poolside planting?
    A: Yes, it is highly effective in lush tropical poolside landscapes.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata ‘Tropics’ is loved for its Bright upright tropical flower bracts create outstanding resort-style colour and lush landscape impact.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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