Calatheas are related to heliconias, gingers and costus. Here you'll find calatheas that we think are particularly good landscaping plants.

Cordylines are native to a number of places including Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. In recent years they have gained tremendous popularity as a landscaping plant. New and colorful hybrids, their ability to hold their own in a drought and the way in which they compliment so many other tropicals has led to a sort of cordymania in Australia.
Cordylines are very easy to grow. They like rich soil with good drainage and fertilizer in the growing season. Some cordylines prefer partial shade, some color up better in full sun and some are comfortable with both. Gardeners in high humidity areas can grower a wider range of cordylines in full sun. If you would like to landscape with cordylines but aren't sure which ones to purchase, we have beginner cordyline packs.

Costus are tropical plants related to gingers in heliconias. They originate from areas all over the globe including Africa, the New World and Australia. There is so much variability in costus that it is hard to generalize about them. Some flower from the top of the stem, some from the base of the plant and some from both! There are hairy ones, pretty ones, full sun and part shade costus. Many are so cold tolerant that they will grow in England some prefer warmth.
In general and when in doubt costus like part shade and well drained soil rich in organic matter.
I believe them to be highly underutilized as landscaping plants. You'll find more information about them on our blog.

Gingers constitute a wide and diverse family within the Zingiberales. The are closely related to heliconias, costus and bananas. There are over 1200 species of gingers, over 1000 of them occurring in Tropical Asia. There are even a few native to Australia! Gingers are not only used ornamentally but also medicinally and as a food source.
As a rule they tend to be more cold hardy than heliconias and prefer partial shade. Like heliconias, they like rich well drained soil and are heavy feeders. Torch gingers are more tolerant of heavy clay than other gingers.

Heliconias are tropical plants originating mostly from Central and South America. They are generally found in heavily forested areas along creek banks or in disturbed areas. Most Heliconias will live and grow in up to 40% shade. They like high humidity, bright light, moist soil rich in organic matter, a protected position and good drainage. Heliconias are heavy feeders and appreciate fertilising and mulching during the growing season.

Rhizomes should be planted with the top protruding out of the soil. Water well and mulch, re-water as the soil dries out. After flowering, cut back the spent flower stems to make room for new growth. As tropical plants, Heliconias prefer temperatures over 20C. However, there are several heliconias that are suitable for coastal areas all the way down to Sydney.

If possible we recommend potting your rhizomes up. They can be planted out when they shoot and establish roots. If you are in a particularly cold area it is best to purchase your heliconias in spring so that they have a full growing season before encountering winter conditions.