Strelitzia

This group consists of four, tender perennials originally from South Africa. The most commonly grown is S. reginae, commonly known as the Bird-of-Paradise, Crane Flower or Crane Lily. This plant forms clumps of long-stalked leaves up to 3 feet long. The evergreen, bluish- or gray-green leaves have an oblong shape and leathery texture. The beautiful flowers are produced atop long stalks, mainly in the spring. The orange and blue or purple flowers are enclosed in a green, boat-shaped bract edged with red. The vivid flowers grow erectly from this beak-like bract, resembling feathers and making this flower look like an exotic bird. S. nicolai forms clumps of evergreen, long-stalked, oval, bluish-green leaves up to 5 feet long. The flowers, which are produced intermittently throughout the year, resemble those of S. reginae, except that they are white and light blue enclosed in a dark purple bract. This plant can reach an ultimate height of up to 25 feet. These plants are excellent for growing in containers, especially in climates with cold winters.

Pot Cultivation

These plants need a minimum temperature ranging from 41° to 45° F. They can be grown as house or greenhouse plants in cool climates. They should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil or potting mix in a well-lighted location that is shaded from hot sun. They should be watered well during the growing season, sparingly in the winter.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown in containers of sandy soil in the spring, or suckers may be detached and potted.