Introducing...
Strelitzia
Common name: Bird of paradise
These bold, architectural plants bring exotic drama, with their vibrant bird’s-head flowers and large leathery leaves. Give them plenty of warmth and humidity, in a conservatory or large bright room, and you can move them outdoors in summer to a hot, sheltered spot.
Looks
Strelitzia are large exotic-looking plants with flamboyant orange and blue flowers on tall stems. The blooms resemble the head of an exotic bird, hence the common name, bird of paradise. Even when not in flower these are striking plants, producing clumps of large paddle-shaped evergreen leaves that can grow to well over 1.5m (5ft) tall.
Likes
Strelitzias thrive on warmth and humidity, plus regular watering and feeding in spring and summer. They also prefer good ventilation in hot weather, so enjoy being moved outside from May to late September.
Dislikes
They won’t grow well if they aren’t well fed and watered during spring and summer, and they won’t survive a British winter outdoors.
Did you know?
Strelitzia flowers are pollinated by birds in their native South Africa. The pointed beak-like ‘spathe’, from which the petals emerge, makes an inviting perch for sunbirds, so they can feast on the abundant nectar.
Growing guide
How to grow strelitzia
All the information you’ll need to grow strelitzia successfully in your home.
Strelitzia we recommend
Strelitzia reginae 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
bird of paradise 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Strelitzia reginae 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
bird of paradise 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Houseplants for different locations
Houseplants: to support human health
How to grow houseplants
Humidity for houseplants
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.