There is virtually no difference in the size of the stalks of Rostrata and Dwarf Rostrata nor in the amount of winter protection they need; the only difference is the number of bracts on the inflo. With that in mind, I quit growing the dwarf variety and concentrated on the standard Rostrata and have been rewarded year after year with beautiful inflos with up to 21 bracts. Mine are all in pots and are easily protected in a garage.

Steve

Picture of mine this year.

Steve

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Lookin very fine Steve. When you put them in the garage do you put lights on them? or let them die down to the rhizome? What's your fertilizer regime? And, full or part sun?

Houstonpat,

I don't put lights on them. I move them in and out based on the weather conditions. If it is going to be above 40 degrees, they stay out. Don't let them die down as this heliconia, along with most, only bloom on second year growth. If you cut them down, you won't get blooms the following summer. I fertilize from March to October every week with a water soluble "Super bloom" fertilizer, like 10-50-10. Both Peters and Miracle Grow make this fert. They are in full sun during these months. In the winter, I stop fertlizing and water sparingly, no more than once a week. During the summer I water 3 times a week with one of those waterings being the fertilizer application.

Some good tips Steve. Thanks. We get a lot of nights below 40. I'll take a shot at moving them in and out. Maybe get a roller cart.