WHAT ARE STRELITZIA PLANTS?

The Strelitzia (more commonly known as the 'bird of paradise' plant due to the supposed resemblance of its flowers to the bird of paradise) is arguably one of the most exotic flowering that you can purchased. Furthermore, because of its relative hardiness, it is likely to be the MOST exotic flower that you can grow in your garden, although it will need to come in under protection over winter if temperatures get below freezing for prolonged periods. If this is the case for where you live then maintain a protective environment temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.

Strelitzia is a genus of five species of tender perennial plants, native to South Africa and is named after the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, birthplace of Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom.

Strelitzia species are fairly tolerant of most soil conditions and will need little water once established making them ideal for drought tolerant conditions.

If cared for well, they will flower several times in a year once established.

The species most commonly grown is Strelitzia reginae which will grow to an overall height of 3-4 feet. It is a clump forming plant that produces a fan of large, slightly glaucous leathery leaves on stalks about 18 inches high. The 6 inch long flower heads appears at the end of a 3-4 ft long stem in April and May. Each flower consists of a green, purple-flushed and boat-shaped beaked bract. A succession of mainly orange flowers emerge in an erect fashion in April and May.

While they will grow in poor conditions, they will positively thrive in a rich loamy soil, especially when they get plenty of water throughout the year.

They do well in full sun to semi-shade and respond well to regular feeding and a seasonal top dressing with a rich compost.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW BIRD OF PARADISE PLANTS FROM SEED
HOW TO OVERWINTER BIRD OF PARADISE PLANTS

HOW TO POT ON AND GROW BARE ROOT BIRD OF PARADISE 
STRELITZIA
WHITE BIRD OF PARADISE