Proud owner of Heliconia longissima

[Justin]

Got them at the Maku'u market today. Apparently I missed Bill Austin by about 5 minutes - small world. I planted one in pretty good shade, underneath my Banyan tree (south-facing part of it, though). I planted the other one in more sun, and more cinder, near the street, and in closer view of the house. Hopefully by diversifying the locations, at least one of them will make it. When mature, the flower stalks should be 8-10 FEET, and dwarf any human standing nearby.

[Kim]

Wow, you found them at Maku'u market? Was that by luck, or had you asked for them? Very cool! I know you've been looking for them.

I picked up 2 Heliconia from Bill Austin, 'Eden Pink' and Caribaea red. I put them in the low spot south of the house where the blooms will be visible from the windows. That was my first trip to Bill's place, he has some awesome stuff.

[Justin]

I knew from prior trips that this particular vendor (sorry, can't recall the name, but it's the guy with all the heliconias) had some longissima that he was starting to propogate. I suppose it was luck that he had them yesterday, as obviously he can't bring everything to market.

[realarch]

Pretty sweet. Way too big for my garden. Not to hijack your thread Justin, but here's a shot at a clump of 'red' ones at HTBG just north of Hilo just

to show how impressive these can get.

[bahia]

Deeply envious, when all I can grow in the way of blooming Heliconias here in northern California is H. matthiasea, latispatha, and schiedeana. Those flowers look incredible! At least, I do have Heliconias getting ready to bloom here now, but love those pendant more tropical types! It must really be fun for the southern Californians in the group to also have Hawaiian gardens to play with...

[ariscott]

Why too big, Tim.. i am getting one hopefully soon