The Strelitzia reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’, a stunning cultivar of the Bird of Paradise, is a true standout in the garden. This is a tough, clumping perennial that forms a lush mound of large, paddle-shaped, grey-green leaves, giving it a vibrant, tropical feel. While the standard Strelitzia is known for its orange flowers, ‘Mandela’s Gold’ is prized for its magnificent, bird-shaped blooms that are a brilliant, clear golden-yellow, with a vibrant blue “tongue.” Its unique colouring and bold form make it an unmissable feature plant.
Caring for Your ‘Mandela’s Gold’
- Growing Conditions: This Strelitzia loves a sunny spot. It thrives in full sun but will also tolerate a bit of afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. It’s best suited to warm climates but is quite hardy and can handle light frosts once established. It’s not too fussy about soil, as long as it’s well-draining.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. While it’s fairly drought-tolerant once established, it will perform and flower better with a reliable water supply.
- Feeding: To encourage a good show of flowers, feed it with a slow-release, general-purpose fertiliser in spring and again in autumn.
- Pruning: Pruning is simple. Just cut back any dead, damaged, or spent flower stems at the base to keep the plant looking tidy. You can also divide the clumps in spring to propagate new plants.
Usage in the Garden
‘Mandela’s Gold’ is an excellent choice for a wide variety of garden uses. Its tropical look and bold flowers make it a sensational feature plant in a garden bed or a large pot. It also works brilliantly in mass plantings to create a low-maintenance, colourful border or screen. It’s also a fantastic plant to use in a mixed border with other tropical or subtropical plants to create a lush, resort-style feel. The flowers are also a long-lasting and beautiful addition to a vase.
