Heliconia schiedeana - Heliconia, Claw Flower

You would definitely be able to grow Heliconia schiedeana where you live. It's very hardy. There's many hundreds of species now being tried in the Los Angeles area...many are growing very well. I used to have Heliconia angusta 'Red Christmas' and 'Yellow Christmas' they died during the big 7 year drought. I still have Heliconia stricta 'Jamaican Dwarf; which has never bloomed because it's in a pot and doesn't get enough fertilizer (they're extremely heavy feeders).

Yes, Heliconias do need a lot of water. During the big drought my Heliconias did not bloom for about 4 years. They just starting blooming again last year. :>)