Q: As a resident in Fernandina, I’m wondering if Heliconia rostrata will be winter hardy if planted outside now. I want to get something large enough to fill a 5 foot gap and partially disguise the telephone pole and a big green cable company box. The area is mostly shaded and in the right of way.
A: Our zone is 8-9 and Heliconia rostrata is classified as a tropical plant which is recommended for Central and South Florida only. I have a friend who is successful at growing this in Central Florida in a partial shaded area, but he keeps it in a pot and brings it inside during the winter. I would not advise you to plant this in the ground in North Florida because we do have some very cold temperatures in which it will probably not survive. You might consider other shrubs which are much hardier for this area. I have supplied you with a few websites to investigate. Go to any local nursery to obtain the cultivars recommended by University of Florida, if they don’t have them I am sure they will be glad to order them for you. Good luck.

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