Strelitzia

RHS

Other common names

bird of paradise flower, bird's tongue flower

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