ISHS Acta Horticulturae 486: II International Symposium on Ornamental Palms & other Monocots from the Tropics
LANDSCAPING WITH HELICONIAS, GINGERS, AND THEIR RELATIVES |
| Author: | R. A. Criley |
| Keywords: | Heliconia, Alpinia, Hedychium, Strelitzia, Ravenala, landscape |
| Abstract:
In their creation of lush, tropical settings, landscape designers are lured by the long slender foliage of heliconias, gingers and their relatives, but their showy inflorescences are an added bonus. Defining space, creating boundaries, screening for privacy, controlling erosion, and hiding foundations are appropriate functional uses for these plants, while aesthetic choices are made based on color, scale, texture, and attractiveness singly, grouped or clumped. Selection criteria include both plant characteristics (size, floral display, foliage, growth habit) and site properties, such as exposure to sun, salt and wind, soil (pH and drainage), and temperature. Establishment, whether outdoors in the ground or in containers or in interiorscapes, demands a knowledge of growth habits and environmental requirements. Maintenance considerations include grooming and pest and weed control. Problem aspects include chlorosis, failure to flower, and excessive growth. | |
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