Strelitzia reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’ – Yellow Bird of Paradise

Description

Strelitzia reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’ (seed-grown) – Mandela’s Gold Yellow Bird of Paradise

Family: Strelitziaceae
Packet: 3 seeds

Description

‘Mandela’s Gold’ is a carefully selected yellow-flowering form of Strelitzia reginae, known for its golden-yellow sepals contrasting with blue to purple-blue petals. This seed lot is sold under that parent selection.

Key Features

• Flower Colour: Yellow and Blue (Parent Selection; Variable Seedlings)
• Plant habit: Evergreen clumping perennial
• Garden interest and important notes: IMPORTANT: Strelitzia seed does not always breed true. As with all seeds, natural cross-pollination means the resulting plants may show natural variations in flower colour.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to part shade as plants mature; filtered light for young seedlings.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained growing medium.
• Water: Even moisture during establishment; never leave mix saturated.
• Climate: Warm conditions; protect from frost.

Seed Propagation

1. Prepare: Remove the orange seed aril and soak cleaned seed in warm water for about 24 hours.
2. Sow: Sow at about the depth of the seed in a freely draining potting mix.
3. Germination conditions: Maintain approximately 25°C, bright filtered light and gentle moisture; germination may be staggered.
4. After germination: Pot on after roots develop and allow several years before flowering.

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.