Strelitzia reginae - Bird of Paradise Plant

Available for sale from online and retail nurseries Strezlitzia plants and species or Bird of Paradise Plant (also know as crane flower) are a striking tropical plant that grows well in cooler conditions as far south as Melbourne.

Winter flowering with spectacular flowers (see picture right) Strezlitzia Regina is perhaps the most common of the species.

Full sun and a well drained soil is essential, although in warmer areas part shade is also OK.

Growing notes and care

A fascinating plant with strelitzia blooms being sought after both in the garden and by the cut flower industry. Stelitzias are generally a hardy plant preferring full sun to part shade and a well drained soil, be careful with fertilization of strelitzia as over fertilization can result in excessive foliage growth and less flowering. Some Strelitzia are larger growing than others. Consider Strelitzia growing in a pot.

Dwarf strelitzia

Increasing popular are dwarf Strelitzia, they seem to be claimed to range in size a little from around 50cm up to 1m, so you really need to be sure of what you are buying with this one. We suggest that between 80cm and 1m is a realistic expectation. These dwarf cultivars are around 1/2 the size of a full sized plant, and are an excellent choose for the front of the border or for growing in containers.

Species and varieties

Strelitzia reginae or Bird of Paradise Plant asit is widely known is indigenous to South Africa. Strelitzia species include Strelitzia Reginae, Strelitzia Reginae Miniature, Strelitzia Dwarf, Strelitzia Alba, Strelitzia Nicolai, Strelitzia Juncea, Strelitzia Caudata, Strelitzia Mandela Gold and Strelitzia Parvifolia although not all species are readily available for sale in Australia.