I think Heliconias are pretty neat. My collection has grown to four varieties. The super special ‘Splash’ Heliconia refuses to flower (purported to have a 3 foot long lobster claw type flower – orange splashed with red). Fortunately the humble Dwarf Jamacian (Heliconia stricta Dwarf) and Parrot’s Flower (Heliconia psittacorum) have been cheerfully flowering since I bought them. This vase is filled with Parrot’s Flower, neat.
Neat in cocktail terminology means a serving of whiskey with nothing added then served at room temperature. I felt compelled to add the water. I found the seemingly simple arrangement to be a bit daunting to produce as many stems had to be trimmed a touch to make the arrangement even. Then my husband came in and said ‘I guess you are not finished?’ followed by ‘where’s the rest of it’! Then ‘Oh, that’s really simple’ Yes, neat.
I can imagine why these are called Parrot’s Flower – however, if the three foot long Lobster Claw Splash Heliconia ever actually flowers it is going to be front and center on the next In A Vase on Monday post. Neat.
The Shrub Queen 
As a northern gardener I can only say “wow”! And I did not know they made wine from honeysuckle so thanks for that tidbit.
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A knockout arrangement this week – simply done, yet stunning!
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Oh that is one neat vase indeed! I have not seen Heliconias before, and I can see why you love them.
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This Heliconia doesn’t look at all humble to me!
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It spreads like mad and blooms without asking for anything, a great plant in my book.
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An intriguing flower – new to me – producing a lovely effect!
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Thank you, native to the rainforests of Central and South America and flourishing in my garden. Kind of like Lysimachia!
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WOW! Fabulous, Simple but exotic.
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Thank you, we love our Heliconias
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I had to smile at your husband’s response – the Golfer often tries to second-guess the title of my vase posts but sadly he is on a different wavelength in that respect!! I am sure any of us who could grow this amazing plant would be displaying it simply like this, neat! It looks so effective on its own and doesn’t need any additions. Thanks for sharing
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Yes, I can’t even contemplate the wavelength! Decidedly a man thing.
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Your blog is the place to come to for amazing exotics. These heliconias are just perfect, anything else in the vase woud spoil the effect. Superb!
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Thank you, Liz. I’ve just planted a Heliconia rostrata, it was growing madly in the pot, hoping for some flowers this summer..
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Oh how I wish they would grow here – glorious flowers and neat – in every sense. Ultimate elegance on a stem.. The blue gin bottle is a nice little wry touch!
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Thanks, I will trade you for some Peonies here!
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What an unusual flower. Nice to see something diffrent from what we can grow.
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I think that is the fun of IAVOM?! seeing what is growing the world over, I couldn’t hope to grow a peony.
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[…] Jun13 by theshrubqueen […]
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Wow what a beautiful flower, so different but too beautiful
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Hi, Monika, thanks for following!
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Welcome dear
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