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Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous PerennialHouseplants

Strelitzia reginae

bird of paradise

An evergreen perennial to 1.5m, forming a clump of long-stalked, oblong, grey-green leaves; orange and blue flowers emerge in succession from a beak-like spathe

Other common names
bird of paradise flower
canna-leaved strelitzia
see morecrane flower

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Orange Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Blue Orange Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Strelitziaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Strelitzia are evergreen perennials, forming a clump of long-stalked, linear to broadly oblong leaves, with stiff stems bearing beak-like bracts from which strikingly coloured flowers open in succession

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost, in a large container, in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Top dress annually and repot every second year. Water sparingly in winter and ventilate when temperatures exceed 20°C. Plants may take a few years to bloom and will only do so if given adequate levels of light and feed. They will generally flower better if slightly pot-bound

Propagation

Propagate by division of rooted suckers in spring. Although you can sow from seed in March to April, they have a very thick coating and will need to prepared by soaking prior to sowing

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Houseplants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Cut flowers
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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