The common names for Heliconia stricta are “lobster claws” or “false bird of paradise” and you can see why when you look at the flowers. In fact, the most prominent part on view, the colorful red “claws,” are bracts, a leaf-like structure that shields the tiny true flower inside, so only hummingbirds and certain butterflies have access to the nectar. The good news is that while the true flowers only last a few days, the bracts can last months.

At two to three feet high, Dwarf Jamaican is one of the smallest varieties of Heliconia stricta. This makes it a good container plant for those of us living north of its native tropical habitat. As an understory plant in tropical rain forests, it wants part shade, plenty of water, and a rich, loose, fast-draining soil.