Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’ (Heliconia caribaea x bihai) Widely considered the "gold standard" for tropical landscaping, Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’ is the ultimate choice for homeowners and designers seeking a dramatic, high-impact privacy screen. This stunning clumping variety is famous for its massive, deep red architectural flowers and lush, oversized emerald-green foliage. Reaching heights of up to 4m, it creates a dense, living wall that provides instant seclusion and a resort-style feel. Unlike many tropical plants, ‘Hot Rio Nights’ maintains a clean, tidy clumping habit, making it a reliable performer for boundary planting and large garden beds. Key Features Ultimate Privacy Screen: Fast-growing and tall (up to 4m), perfect for blocking out neighbors or unsightly fences. Show-Stopping Blooms: Produces large, pendant-like red flower bracts that contrast beautifully against deep green leaves. Resort Aesthetic: Provides that iconic, "big-leaf" tropical look synonymous with high-end landscaping. Non-Invasive Habit: A clumping variety that stays where you plant it, rather than spreading via underground runners. Growth & Care Specifications Light: Performs best in full sun to part shade. Height: Typically reaches 3m to 4m depending on soil quality and water. Feeding: To maintain those deep green leaves and ensure heavy flowering, fertilize regularly with Troforte controlled-release fertilizer. Watering: High water requirement; thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
