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. They also prefer good ventilation in hot weather, so enjoy being moved outside from May to late September. They grow best in a loam-based, peat-free compost with added grit for drainage.
Dislikes
These tender plants won't survive a British winter outdoors so should be moved inside before temperatures drop below 12°C. The leaves can be shredded by strong winds so position plants in a sheltered spot if they are moved outside for the summer.
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 nicolai
white bird of paradise
- 8–12 metres
- 4–8 metres
Strelitzia reginae 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
bird of paradise 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Strelitzia nicolai
white bird of paradise
- 8–12 metres
- 4–8 metres
Strelitzia reginae 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
bird of paradise 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Choosing the best houseplants
Houseplants: to support human health
How to grow houseplants
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