Strelitzia nicolai
white bird of paradise
A very large, evergreen perennial, with oblong, grey-green leaf blades up to 1.5m long on 2m long leaf stalks. In spring it produces blue and white flowers, opening in succession, from blackish, beak-like spathes
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Blue White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical 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 Natal, NE Cape
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. See Strelitzia cultivation
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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