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Strelitzia nicolai

white bird of paradise

A very large, evergreen perennial, with oblong, grey-green leaf blades up to 1.5m long on 2m long leaf stalks. In spring it produces blue and white flowers, opening in succession, from blackish, beak-like spathes

Synonyms
Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Black Blue White Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–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 Natal, NE Cape

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. 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. Although you can sow from seed in March to April, they have a very thick coating and will need to prepared by soaking prior to sowing

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

Get involved

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