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Strelitzia

bird of paradise

Strelitzia are tender, clump-forming evergreen perennials, forming a clump of long-stalked, linear to broadly oblong grey-green leaves. Stiff stems bear beak-like bracts from which strikingly coloured orange and blue flowers open in succession from late winter to spring. It may take a few years for plants to bloom. S. reginae, which are more commonly found within the UK, may produce flowers if given sufficient light but other varieties such as S. nicolai or S. augusta are grown primarily for their lush foliage. An ideal plant to give a tropical feel to your home or conservatory

Other common names

bird of paradise flower
bird's tongue flower

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

10–20 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

H1B

Botanical details

Family: Strelitziaceae
Native to the UK: 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

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

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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