How to Grow Strelitzia

Strelitzia are better known as the ‘Bird of Paradise’ and are evergreen perennials that provide an exotic and highly prized addition to your garden. Striking and unmistakable blooms closely resemble tropical birds with blooms coloured in deep shades of purple and orange during spring and winter. Stiff stems hold broad, banana-like foliage that create year-long interest. Strelitzia are best suited as house plants due to their hardiness. They will also make fantastic cut flowers. You should expect to see Strelitzia grow to an approximate height of 1.2m (4’) and a spread of 60cm (40”).

Strelitzia are best planted in well-drained soil of loam, chalk and sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. As these plants are tender, it is recommended that they are kept in a light and airy environment, preferably where they will catch the attention of full sunlight. An ideal situation would be to plant Strelitzia in good potting compost within a large container in a conservatory.

Ensure that the soil is free-draining so that the roots are not left to sit in a boggy environment as this will slowly rot and kill your plant. Water regularly during the summer ensuring the soil is kept moist, reducing your schedule during winter and autumn. Fertilise Strelitzia during the spring and autumn with a general-purpose fertiliser.

It is possible to propagate Strelitzia by seed or by division of rooted suckers during the spring.