Wildlife value of Heliconia — an unexpected bonus

I planted Heliconia primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. fast growth in warm humid conditions seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a hotel lobby-style statement interior display which allows me to watch the activity up close. bringing back indoors before first autumn frost is the most active period for wildlife visits. providing high humidity through pebble trays or regular misting is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. spider mite infestations in hot dry conditions is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.