Strelitzia reginae, the quintessential Bird of Paradise, is a dramatic, clump-forming, evergreen perennial celebrated for its unique and spectacular flowers. It features large, paddle-shaped, blue-green leaves resembling those of a small banana plant, held aloft on long, upright stalks. The exotic, crane-like flowers emerge from a rigid, boat-shaped, horizontal spathe (bract), displaying brilliant, intense orange sepals and bright blue petals, truly resembling a colourful, crested tropical bird. This plant is tough, long-lived, and a superb choice for adding architectural form and tropical flair to warm-climate gardens or as a statement pot plant, though it takes several years to mature and begin flowering.
Care Tips:
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Position: Thrives in full sun to part shade. Full sun is best for maximum flowering, while a little shade in the hottest part of the day is tolerated, especially in hot Australian climates.
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Soil: Requires fertile, rich, and well-drained soil. It will tolerate a wide range of soil types but dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions.
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Watering: Water regularly and generously during the warmer growing season (spring and summer). Reduce watering in winter, especially if growing in a cooler spot.
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Fertilising: Feed heavily! Strelitzias are hungry, especially when they are working on producing those big flowers. Fertilise frequently throughout spring and summer with a slow-release fertiliser or a high-potash liquid feed.
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Maintenance: Remove old, brown, or tattered leaves by cutting them off near the base of the plant. Flowers last well as cut flowers; cut the flower stalk right at the base.
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Flowering: Mature plants typically start flowering once they are 3–5 years old. They flower best when slightly root-bound, so avoid repotting too often.
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Tolerances: It is quite wind-tolerant and can handle light frost once established, but it will look its best in warmer, frost-free areas.
