My heliconias are at their peak right now — a blaze of red, orange and yellow in a sea of topical green. Heliconia are herbaceous plants related to bananas that are normally found growing in tropical South and Central American rainforests under or at the edge of trees.

Heliconias produce colorful flowers composed of waxy bracts in many colors on plants growing from 1 1/2 to 15 feet tall. These plants are popular for partly shaded areas, where they produce exotic, long-lasting flowers that make superior subjects for cutting and floral arrangements. Nothing says tropical like heliconias, where lush foliage and flowers can make a real impact to your landscape.