Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise, Orange Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower)

Botanical Information

FamilyStrelitziaceae
GenusStrelitzia
Speciesreginae
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginNative to South Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c-H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-6.7-10
Temperature (°F)20-50
Height1-1.5 m
Spread1 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, March

Description and Growing Information

ShapeGrows upright forming large clumps.
LandscapeUsed in a container, as a specimen, tropical or accent plant.
PropagationPropagated by seed or division. Germination takes 2-3 months. Division needs to be done in late spring to early summer.
CultivationPlanting in full sun produces more flowers, but of a smaller size. Full shade will produce bigger flowers, but fewer. Prefers rich, acidic soil but does not tolerate overly wet soils.
PestsGrasshoppers, mealybugs, aphids, snails, fig wax scale, false oleander scale, tobacco budworm, giant whitefly, red palm mite, rugose spiraling whitefly and saddleback caterpillar. If planted in overly wet soils it will experience root rot.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Royal Horticulture Society Garden Rosemoor, North Devon, England. Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatFound on river banks in full sun.
Leaf DescriptionThe evergreen leaves are waxy, oval-shaped and dark green with a blue tint. They grow 15-45 cm long with pinnate margins.
Flower DescriptionFlowers feature 3 orange petals and 3 blue petals.
Fruit DescriptionThe capsules are triangular and contain black seeds with orange fuzz.
Colour DescriptionFlowers have orange sepals and indigo petals. Leaves are green. Seeds are black to brown in colour with a yellow aril.

Photographs