Heliconia ‘Kawauchi’ (Lobster Claw)
from $50.00
Heliconia ‘Kawauchi’ is a bold tropical perennial that brings strong form and vivid colour to warm-climate gardens. With upright stems and large, banana-like leaves, it produces striking red and yellow bracts that stand well above the foliage, making it an excellent feature plant or backdrop in lush landscape designs. Well suited to subtropical and tropical conditions, this variety performs best where warmth, moisture, and shelter are consistent, creating a dense, resort-style look.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun with protection from harsh afternoon winds.
Water requirement: High
Watering frequency: Regular. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during warmer months.
Soil: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Growth rate: Fast in warm, humid conditions
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large pots or tubs in sheltered positions.
Mature Height: 2–3 m
Mature Width: 1.5–2 m
Seasonality: Evergreen in frost-free climates
Drought Tolerant: No
Frost Tolerant: No – requires a frost-free environment
Wind Tolerant: Low to moderate; shelter recommended
Leaf colour: Deep green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: Large, banana-like leaves up to 1–1.5 m long
Flower Colour: Red with yellow accents
Flower Shape: Upright lobster-claw bracts
Flower Fragrance: None
Flower Season: Spring to autumn in warm climates
Heliconia ‘Kawauchi’ is a bold tropical perennial that brings strong form and vivid colour to warm-climate gardens. With upright stems and large, banana-like leaves, it produces striking red and yellow bracts that stand well above the foliage, making it an excellent feature plant or backdrop in lush landscape designs. Well suited to subtropical and tropical conditions, this variety performs best where warmth, moisture, and shelter are consistent, creating a dense, resort-style look.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun with protection from harsh afternoon winds.
Water requirement: High
Watering frequency: Regular. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during warmer months.
Soil: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Growth rate: Fast in warm, humid conditions
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large pots or tubs in sheltered positions.
Mature Height: 2–3 m
Mature Width: 1.5–2 m
Seasonality: Evergreen in frost-free climates
Drought Tolerant: No
Frost Tolerant: No – requires a frost-free environment
Wind Tolerant: Low to moderate; shelter recommended
Leaf colour: Deep green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: Large, banana-like leaves up to 1–1.5 m long
Flower Colour: Red with yellow accents
Flower Shape: Upright lobster-claw bracts
Flower Fragrance: None
Flower Season: Spring to autumn in warm climates
