Strelitzia reginae

With unmistakable iconic blooms, Strelitzia reginae are highly prized by gardeners and florists alike. A glorious succession of blooms, reminiscent of an exotic bird, are striking and distinctive. Found growing naturally on scrub land in South Africa, the exotic and chic flowers attract admiration in late winter and spring. Evergreen, paddle-like foliage provides lush, green structure beneath. Indigenous to South African, Streilizia reginae is also known commonly as the Bird of Paradise, because of its resemblance to the tropical bird. Pollinated by birds using their weight on the spathe to open and reveal the pollen. Strelizia reginae has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society for outstanding performance. A tender perennial with an RHS hardiness rating of H1B, Strelitzia reginae prefers to be grown in well-drained soil in a sunny spot or in shade. During the colder months, keep frost free, and grow as a tropical house or conservatory plant, in a nice bright spot. When mature it will reach around 1.5m tall, spreading to 60cm.