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Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Strelitzia reginae
  • RHS AGM

bird of paradise

S. reginae is 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
Loam
Sand
Clay
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

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
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

Plant range
S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed indoors sown at 18-21°C in spring or by division of rooted suckers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Cut flowers
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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