Heliconia subulata Ficus Its seed pods

Its seed pods

This plant is Alpinia nutans or 'Dwarf Cardamom' and sometimes 'False Cardamom' - so it is an ornamental for the garden - not 'True Cardamom' (Elletaria cardamomum) of aromatic Indian spice fame

Dark green leaves contrast against deep plum coloured bracts

White flowers open at night and wither by morning

sunny position

Heliconia subulata Ficus Its seed podsBeautiful tall and tropical looking plant with dramatic lush foliage and waxy red bracts holding small yellow flowers. A showstopper and yes, you probably can grow this in your garden! In frost free parts of NZ it actually does very well and flowers reliably. A spot sheltered from the wind is best to keep the broad lush foliage looking at its best as the leaves tend to tear in the strong wind.