Heliconia angusta 'Red Christmas'

A garden selection of a species native to southeastern Brazil, this small, clumping perennial herb has dark green foliage. Leafy shoots grow from underground rhizomes and carry upright displays of red bracts enclosing pale white flowers. Also known as Holiday, the selection is grown for its vivid contrasting colors and suitability as a cut flower. Mature clumps commonly reach about three feet tall. Photographed in Florida.