Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Description

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Family: Strelitziaceae
Packet: 10 seeds

Description

Strelitzia nicolai is a large South African bird-of-paradise with banana-like leaves and upright, multi-stemmed growth. Mature plants can produce striking white and blue flowers held in dark bracts.

Key Features

• Flower Colour: White with Blue
• Plant habit: Large architectural evergreen clump
• Garden interest and important notes: It becomes a substantial specimen and needs ample space above and around its leaves. The bold foliage is often the main attraction, especially before the plant reaches flowering maturity.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Sun or bright part shade, with room for the eventual mature plant.
• Soil: Rich, freely draining soil.
• Water: Water consistently while establishing; reduce in cooler weather.
• Climate: Best in warm climates; protect young plants from frost.

Seed Propagation

1. Prepare: Remove the attached orange aril from each seed, then soak in lukewarm water for about 24 hours.
2. Sow: Sow one seed per small pot, about one seed-depth below the surface in free-draining mix.
3. Germination conditions: Keep warm, preferably near 23–26°C, and evenly moist; germination may take weeks to months.
4. After germination: Pot on when roots are well formed; allow space for vigorous juvenile foliage.

Seed-grown Strelitzia may take several years to flower. Germination times are variable.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.