Strelitzia reginae

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Plant
ID 43 Strelitzia reginae
Botanic Name Strelitzia reginae
Common Name Bird of Paradise, Crane flower
Family Name Strelitziaceae
Cultivars
Origin South Africa, 1773, Zone 9-12
Growth Type Perennial
Bark Type Stemless / Acaulescent
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Medium
No. of Species 5
Growth Habit Clumping Growth Rate Medium
Height 0.8 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft) Spread 2.5 m (8 ft)
Plant Overview
This rhizomatous perennial has large banana-like dark green leaves that form an upright rounded clump. It produces bird-shaped orange flowers that are held above the foliage on long scape and appear solitary from mid autumn to spring.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Oblong
The leathery texture grey green leaves are up to 500 mm (20 in) long with a petiole up to 600 mm (2 ft) long and the upper surface is slightly glaucous. The shape varies in form from long lanceolate-oblong to a short oblong blade.
Arrangement Basal
Margin Entire
Colour Grey-green
Size 300 - 500 mm ( 11.8 - 19.7 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Tubulate
The tubulate flower have 4 to 10 spear-like flowers on stalks that are up to 120 cm (4 ft) long and unfold from the spathe and each flower consists of bright orange sepals that are enclosing in violet blue petals. They appear above the foliage.
Inflorescence Solitary
Colour Orange
Size 160 - 200 mm ( 6.3 - 7.9 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Capsule Additional Information
Colour Brown
The fruit is a 3 celled wooded capsule and contains numerous dark hard seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.
Edible No
Bird Attractive No
Size 70 - 90 mm ( 2.8 - 3.5 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained organic rich moist sandy to loamy soil, acidic-neutral
Container Pots, tubs, planter boxes, under glass in cool climates
Climate Sub-tropical
Aspect Full sun, part shade, protection from cold strong winds, frost, drought tolerant
Pest & Diseases Scale insect, scale, root rot, bacterial wilt, leaf spot
Fertiliser Add organic matter to the soil and keep moist, if container grown apply liquid fertiliser monthly
Pruning Remove dead flowers and damaged leaves, divide clump when congested
Cultural Uses Propagation
The Bird of Paradise is grown for its distinct flowers and its clumping habit. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or in group plantings around water features for a tropical effect. It is also grown in large tubs or planter boxes.
Division, cut down foliage to about half height and divide into preferably large clumps during autumn. It may be slow to re-establish. Use only minimal watering and mulch. Sow fresh seed in late spring in a well drained media.
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