GARDEN SECRETS

Answer the call of the tropics with a blaze of heavenly heliconias

1 BIRD IS THE WORD

Bird-like in shape, these sensually perfumed relatives of the banana and canna are riotous in pinks, oranges, reds, yellows and greens.

2 GO ANYWHERE

With 100-plus species from 40cm to 6m tall, there’s a heliconia show-off for every northern garden, in sun or the shade.

3 OH-SO SULTRY

These clumping humidity lovers grow from rhizomes in rich, well-fertilised soil or, if you have plenty of time, raise from seed.

If the bees disappear, we’ll all be stung DAVID SUZUKI ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST

HELICONIAS ARE EXOTIC, LUSH AND STAND TALL AND LOUD IN TROPICAL GARDENS.

ENJOY AUTUMN’S SHADES IN ELEGANT CALLA LILIES.