aka Crab Claw, Lobster Claw, Parrot Flower ~
Very good at helping you find ways to make changes in your life and in illuminating new ideas.
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE
Inspirations are coming, (thick and fast!) and you may need to decide which you will follow. The answer to a question or situation is close at hand and whatever it may be, will perhaps not be able to be changed.
BOTANICAL HISTORY
A tropical plant, related to the banana and ginger and are native to South and Central America. There are well over 500 varieties and what most of us assume are the flowers of these plants are actually brightly coloured bracts (modified leaves). The flowers are often very tiny and held within these bracts. The name Heliconia comes to use from the word ‘helix’ which means spiral and relates to the shapes the bracts and flowers produce.
GARDENING NOTES
These are a tropical plant and so do well in full sun for best flowering, but will tolerate semi shade. Mulch, feed and water well and provide a moist well-draining soil. They grow from a rhizome with most flowering from summer to autumn and into winter. Summer is the best time to plant and you will need to be in an area that is frost free and rather warm.
FLORISTRY TIPS
Vase life is about 10 days and colours include red, orange, yellows, pink, maroon, green. Recut stems before placing in water and display away from full sun and draughts and avoid cold. They do like an occasional misting. They will not open further once cut from the plant.
MAGICKAL BOTANICAL
Heliconia will work very well in spells that are seeking solutions and inspiration. They are particularly good in spells involving tracing the image of the flower (bracts) and repeating a chant with each spiralling section. If you are looking to change something, include the plant or its image in your magick work.
bunches of blessings,
Cheralyn 🌻 xx