Strelitzia reginae – Bird of Paradise

Description

Strelitzia reginae – Bird of Paradise / Crane Flower

Family: Strelitziaceae
Packet: 10 seeds

Description

Strelitzia reginae is the well-known South African Bird of Paradise, forming firm clumps of grey-green paddle-shaped leaves. Mature plants produce dramatic orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in flight.

Key Features

• Flower Colour: Orange with Blue
• Plant habit: Clumping evergreen perennial
• Garden interest and important notes: An architectural choice for sunny gardens and large pots. Plants grown from seed vary naturally and require patience before their first flowers.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to part shade, with sufficient light for flowering later on.
• Soil: Free-draining fertile soil or quality potting mix.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment; established clumps handle occasional dry periods.
• Climate: Warm temperate to subtropical; young plants need frost protection.

Seed Propagation

1. Prepare: Remove the bright orange aril from the seed and soak in warm water overnight.
2. Sow: Sow about one seed-depth deep in well-drained seed-raising mix.
3. Germination conditions: Keep warm, approximately 23–26°C, and evenly moist, not wet.
4. After germination: Pot on after the seedling has a robust root system and several leaves.

Flowering can take several years from seed; germination can be staggered.

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.