Bracts of dramatic flowers

VINCA ROSEA (Catharanthus roseus) or the Madagascar Periwinkle, has not endeared itself to many. The reasons: its profuse and dull flowers and its popping up everywhere, on its own.

The Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Bangalore, has experimented and come out with hybrid varieties of Vinca, in the most astonishingly attractive colours - burgundy red, grape cooler, pinkish orange, a deep pinkish purple and magenta, some even with deep spots in the centre. The foil wrapped seeds are quite expensive, but worth it. The seeds are a bit slow to germinate. But a month later, after the first leaves, the plant is covered in flowers. Potted plants could form an attractive border. A floral border bed of low shrubs along the pathway is not difficult to maintain.

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Heliconia belongs to the genus Musaceae, or the banana family. The Heliconia is a large tropical beauty with most varieties native to Brazil. Its shapely green leaves, and large bracts or spathes of dramatic flowers vie for attention. Space can be a problem with the Heliconia, for it requires plenty of space.

New plants can be started by dividing the rootstock and planting them in large pots. Alternatively, a mass of Heliconia can be created in a corner of the garden to make a tall stand. Water is needed in plenty, otherwise care is minimal.

H. Angustfolia gives orange red bracts. H. Aurantiaca orange and green bracts and H. Psittacorum orange bracts with tiny greenish yellow flowers at the tips. These are also commonly called the parrot flower.

Tinted pinks, yellows and oranges have been developed abroad, adding to the beauty of this easy to grow plant. It looks especially attractive near a pond or water feature, or in a large garden, where it can be viewed in the right perspective.

RUPA GOPAL

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